Grade Level

Grade 12 (This lesson could also work well in Ontario Geography, Grade 9 or British Columbia Social Studies, Grade 10.)

Time Required

45 minutes

Curriculum Connection

British Columbia, Nature of Geography, Geography Grade 12

• demonstrate an ability to access, interpret and present geographic information using topographic maps, aerial and satellite images, photographs, charts, diagrams, graphs and tables

Link to Canadian National Geography Standards

Essential Element #3 – Physical Systems (Grades 9 to 12 standard)

• components of Earth’s physical system (biosphere)

Geographic Skill #4 – Analysing Geographic Information (Grades 9 to 12 skill)

• use processes of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and explanation to interpret geographic information from a variety of sources

Atlas of Canada Resources

Go to the Atlas of Canada Web site found at atlas.gc.ca The following parts of the Web site will be accessed by students during the lesson:

• Explore Our Maps

Environment » Land » Land Cover Map

Additional Resources, Materials and Equipment

• computer lab with Internet access
• student worksheet

Main Objective

Students will use the online Atlas of Canada to successfully interpret a map that uses satellite imagery. They will analyze the types of land cover in the Yukon Territory and compare this to another province or territory in Canada.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson the students will be able to:

• access and use the Atlas of Canada Web site as a research tool
• interpret a map using satellite imagery
• explain the patterns of land cover in the Yukon Territory
• compare patterns of land cover between the Yukon Territory and another province or territory

Introduction

Teacher Activity

• This lesson would be most appropriate if incorporated after the teacher has taught the unit on climate. This is a good introduction to vegetation in a local region.
• Introduce the online Atlas of Canada as research tool to find and analyze geographic information.

Student Activity

• Participate in discussion and/or take notes on background information required.

Lesson Development

Teacher Activity

• Distribute student worksheet to students.
• Review instructions and help students access the Web site.
• Monitor and assist students as they work through the activity.

Student Activity

• Students complete worksheet as they work through the activity.

Conclusion

Teacher Activity

• Collect the worksheet.

Student Activity

• Submit worksheet to be evaluated.

The student worksheet is printed separately for distribution to students.

• Student Worksheet – Landscape Diversity in the Yukon Territory

This lesson could be extended assigning a research project on vegetation and land cover in another part of the world. Students could present their findings in an oral report to the class.

Collect and evaluate the worksheet.

• PDF version (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)