The film explores an Associated Press report on the issue of "fracking" - the process by which natural gas is released when rock formations beneath the earth's surface are fractured. The video serves to identify the concerns of those who oppose the process with reference to the contamination of local water supplies and the attendant health risks, the reduction in property values, and the industrialization of rural areas. Defenders of the process point to the financial benefits realized by those who own the land involved, the contribution natural gas may make to US energy security, the relative merits of "clean" energy as opposed to oil and coal, and the benefits that a ready supply of energy may bring to the US economy.
The video, therefore identifies certain, but not all of the issues that have become part of what is a very heated debate occurring in all countries.
Communities Divided Over Natural Gas Drilling may be used in combination with a number of other resources (videos and lesson plans) that allow students to explore the topic of fracking. This particular video may be used to introduce the societal divisions assocated with the issue in that it identifies the players and their competing perspectives. It may aslo be used to begin an examination of the media reporting of the issue. Students might analyze to what degree this video presents a balanced view of the topic before going on to examine and report on other media sources.
The debate over the merits and dangers associated with "fracking" may be studied in those units dealing with resource management and human-environmental interaction (Geography, Environmental Science, Science, Technology and Society); units that explore the concept of sustainable development (Environmental Studies, Geography); of appropriate technology (Science, Technology and Society);human health and the environment (Wellness Studies); government regulations (Law, Political Science).
As also suggested, this video and others dealing with fracking may be used in units of study related to bias, perspective consciousness and balanced reporting (Language Arts and Media Studies)
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.