THE CANADIAN ATLAS ONLINE QUEBEC – GRADE 6

The Natural Regions of Quebec:From North to South...Quebec’s Forest Regions

Lesson OverviewUsing an atlas, students will explore the various forest regions of Quebec and identify the types of vegetation in each of Quebec’s ecozones.

Grade LevelGrade 8 or Junior High

Time RequiredOne class period

Curriculum ConnectionQuebec Program of Studies, Geography, Secondary Schools, Cycle 1. Programme de formation de l'école québécoise, Domaine de l'univers social, Géographie au premier cycle.

Competency #1: Read the organization of a territory. Use cartographic terms (Refer to different types of maps used to illustrate a territory. Search out points of reference to read the organization of a territory and draw diagrams to illustrate their understanding of this organization).

Link to Canadian National Geographic StandardsEssential Element #3 (Grades 6-8) - Physical SystemsGeographic Skill #3 (Grades 6-8) - Organizing Geographic Information

The Canadian AtlasThe initial resource for this lesson is the printed version of The Canadian Atlas: Our Nation, Environment and People (2004), pg. 16-28 and the Website of the Canadian Atlas: www.canadiangeographic.ca/atlas.

Additional Resources, Materials and Equipment Required An outline map of Quebec – 8 ½ x 14 (2 maps per student) Information on vegetation and forests in Quebec or a bank of images on vegetation The following websites:

www.actionboreale.qc.ca (in French)http://www.forest.ca/index.php3http://www.borealcanada.ca/about_boreal_e.cfmhttp://www.cfl.scf.rncan.gc.ca/ecosys/maps/intro_dombio_e.htmhttp://www.cfl.scf.rncan.gc.ca/ecosys/maps/intro_qcimg_e.htmhttp://www.mrnfp.gouv.qc.ca/english/forest/quebec/quebec-environment-zones.jsp

Main ObjectiveTo locate, describe and illustrate the layout of each of Quebec’s natural regions.

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THE CANADIAN ATLAS ONLINE QUEBEC – GRADE 6

Learning OutcomesBy the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Locate the ecozones on a map Differentiate among the types of vegetation of each ecozone Identify the characteristics of the climate of each ecozone Establish a link between forests and natural resources

LessonTeacher Activity Student Activity

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THE CANADIAN ATLAS ONLINE QUEBEC – GRADE 6

Introduction Begin the activity by reviewing stu-dents’ knowledge. Write key words on board. For example the first word could simply be “forest”. Write down students’ ideas.

Add words gradually to allow students to slowly establish the links between the concepts and their prior know-ledge (Example: key words or con-cepts: forests, climate, province, de-ciduous and evergreen species, log-ging and so forth).

Students share their knowledge about the words written on the board and establish links.

Development Once students have become familiar with the diversity of Quebec’s forests, ask them to look at the information on pages 16-17 of The Canadian Atlas. Use questions to direct students. (For example: In which ecozone is our city located? In how many provinces do we find the boreal forest? Which natural region is situated in the most southern/northern part of our province? Which natural region is situated in Western Canada?)

Now that students have seen the natural diversity in the province, assign task.

Students: 1. Look at the content of the pages

assigned2. Compare the geographic situation

of each ecozone3. Analyze the images and photos on

these pages and establish links with the natural regions

4. Identify similarities and differences

5. Recognize the landscapes of their own region

Students highlight the information contained in The Canadian Atlas and other resources

Development Using a map of Quebec, ask students to delimit the natural zones. In order to represent each ecozone adequately, provide students with The Canadian Atlas (or its Website), as well as reference books. Then ask students to correctly identify the types of vegetation in each forest. Ask students to illustrate the typical vegetation within the limits drawn out initially.

Using the second map with the ecozones delimited, ask students to describe: - types of vegetation- characteristics of climate- natural resources

Students identify the typical vegetation of each of the ecozones, represent them adequately, and associate the characteristics that are specific to each ecozones.

Conclusion Show students’ work to the class and ask them to present their work and share what they have learned.

Students consolidate their knowledge by sharing what they have learned. By reformulating in their own words what they have just learned, they reinforce

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THE CANADIAN ATLAS ONLINE QUEBEC – GRADE 6

the information and concepts acquired during the lesson.

Lesson Extension The lesson can provide a starting point for studying a particular issue such as logging,

deforestation or the forest industry. Various newspaper and magazine articles on the subject could be studied, thus allowing students

to establish a link between their learning and current issues.

Assessment of Student Learning Evaluate the quality of map work. Present a list of characteristics of the natural regions and ask students to match them with the

corresponding ecozone.

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