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Race to Leave No Trace

Elementary, Middle

Description

In the outdoor activity "Race to Leave No Trace" students learn about the importance of the Arctic in supplying the world with oil and natural gas. The activity also highlights the ecological significance of this fragile region and the difficulties companies face in the safe extraction and shipping of these resources.

In an open space the teacher creates an obstacle course that represents shipping routes for oil and natural gas in the Arctic. Working in teams students carry glasses of water representing natural gas and oil through the course. The goal is to safely get the resources out of the Arctic without any spillage.  Students cover the distance a number of times with new obstacles added each time to represent icebergs, ships and other hazards.

At the end of the activity students will be able to describe in terms of cause and effect, the increased shipping and resource extraction taking place in the Arctic.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The outdoor activity "Race to Leave No Trace" is best suited for the upper elementary or middle school Science classroom with a focus on interactions in the environment, ecosystems and diversity of living things. It could easily be adapted to an indoor environment.  This activity could also be used in conjunction with World Ocean's Day in early June or World Water Day in March.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 4
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
        • Exploring connections strengthens our understandings of relationships to help us make meaning of the world.
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        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
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        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
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        • Science 5: Multicellular organisms have organ systems that enable them to survive and interact within their environment.
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        • Science 7: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
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        • Water Systems on Earth
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        • Properties and Uses of Earth Materials: Learning and Living Sustainably
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        • Science 4: Habitats
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        • Science 7: Environmental Action
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        • Water Systems on Earth
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        • Science 8: Water Systems on Earth
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
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        • Science 5: Multicellular organisms have organ systems that enable them to survive and interact within their environment.
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
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        • Science 7: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.

Themes Addressed

Economics (1)

  • Corporate Social Responsibility

Ecosystems (1)

  • Habitat Loss

Energy (1)

  • Energy Generation

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Fisheries

Water (1)

  • Marine Environments