Mapping out the Calgary Stampede

A river runs though the centre of my city

Lesson overview

This lesson offers students the opportunity to investigate the impact of Bow and Elbow Rivers on the city of Calgary, focusing on the development of the Calgary Stampede, the impact of development on the watershed and the work being done, such as the development of Riverfront Park, to preserve one of the most important watersheds in the country.

Grade level

Grade 7

Time required

One 60 minute lesson

Curriculum connections

Alberta, Social Studies, Grade 7

7.2.3 appreciate the challenges that individuals and communities face when confronted with rapid change (I, CC, LPP)

7.2.7 assess, critically, the impact of urbanization and of technology on individual and collective identities in Canada

Additional resources, materials and equipment required

Chart paper or SMART board
Markers, pencil crayons, etc.
Student journals
Computers to access the following websites:
The Bow River Website
Canadian Geographic Watershed Awareness
Calgary Stampede photos (attached)

Main objective

Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of why the Elbow and Bow Rivers are an important water source; the impact urbanization has had on the eco-system and what can be done to preserve this water source.

Learning outcomes

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

Explain the origin of the water in the Bow River Watershed
Explain the impact that settlement and development has had on the rivers
Understand the ideas that the Stampede will implement in their new river plans
Evaluate the information presented and create ideas to preserve this fresh water

Teacher activity / Student activity
Introduction / Begin the lesson by discussing the water cycle and where your water comes from. If possible, show both the Canadian Atlas Online Watershed Awareness thematic the Canadian Geographic Protect your watershed interactive map and find your watershed.
Show the YouTube video from Alberta Water, and discuss the connection between development and the water cycle. / Students will participate in the discussion and learn about their watershed.
Lesson development / Talk to your students about the Calgary Stampede Centennial happening in 2012. Ask them what they know about the Calgary Stampede and what impact they think that the Stampede has had on the watersheds in and around Calgary.
As a class, or in smaller groups, discuss how the land and Elbow River around Stampede Park has changed over time.
Examine photos of the Elbow River and how Calgary has developed around it. Refer students to (Calgary Stampede Archives, click on historical air photos) and the attached photos.
Direct students to look at the Calgary Stampede’s Environment website and discuss the initiatives they have taken to ensure the health of their watershed. Have students write a journal entry describing the following things:
1) What are some initiatives that Calgary Stampede does to ensure the health of their watershed?
2) Do you think there are other initiatives that might compliment what they are already doing?
3) What other initiatives/organizations are working to protect the watershed? / Students will participate in the discussion and make educated guesses about the impact that the Stampede has had on local watersheds.
Students will use the SMART board and mark the significant changes in the river, if any, and the development of the city with particular emphasis on the area around Stampede Park..
Student will develop a plan or ideas that would help to keep the Elbow River clean and not affected by the activities that occur on Stampede Park. Activities could involve writing letters with suggestions to the Stampede Environmental Department, drawing a plan or building a model.
Conclusion / Bring students back together and have them share their ideas. Encourage students to ask questions about the ideas and initiatives of their peers. / Students will explain their ideas and their reasoning as well as comment on their peers’ ideas.

Lesson extension

Have students make an aquifer to show the impact of unclean water on natural watersheds. Two sets of instructions can be found on the following websites:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/cool/ameliaedibleaquifer.htm

Assessment of student learning:

Participation in group discussions
Journal responses
Letter, model or picture that represents future ideas for the Stampede