CAPACOA – intermediate activity
Overview: Students will combine their geographic knowledge on Canada’s landforms
with images from famous Canadian artists to encourage attractions throughout all
regions of Canada
Grades: 7, 8
Canadian National Standards for Geography
The World in Spatial Terms
 Map types (e.g. topographic, navigational, thematic)
Places and Regions
 Factors that influence people’s perceptions of places and regions
Physical Systems
 Ecozones (major ecological communities such as boreal forest, polar regions,
grassland, wetlands and desert)
Time: 40 minutes
Materials
 Blank map of Canada
 Computer
 Jar/hat
 paper
Learning Outcomes:
 Students will use their knowledge of Canadian landforms to help encourage the
touring of artists and attractions throughout all regions of Canada
 Students will research famous Canadian artists and use their knowledge of
Canadian landform to present a greater knowledge and appreciation of the
presentation of the performing arts.
Introduction
Give each student a blank map of Canada. Discuss Canada’s major landform. How does
geography change throughout the region? Label the map by writing down terms such
as, “prairies, Rocky mountains, Arctic, Canadian Shield, Appalachian Mountains.” Discuss
the differences.
Development
Have your students use their knowledge on Canada’s landforms to research famous
paintings that students feel best depict each area. Allow students to save or print out
their image and write a brief description on how this image links to the specific area of
Canada. Create a class discussion on the images students have found. Are there any
symbols that are repeated? What types are colours are used? Which images are we
attracted to the most? Who painted each image and how does his/her cultural heritage
link to their surrounding area?
Conclusion
Brainstorm famous iconic symbols of Canada on the board. Include major symbols found
throughout the researched images discussed previously. Have one student write each
symbol down on separate pieces of paper and place all pieces of paper in a jar. Choose
students to come and silently act out their image. Encourage students to not only guess
the word, but to explain where this particular item/symbol can be found throughout
Canada.
Extend your Geographic Thinking
Change the game to a riddle game. Have students choose one piece of paper from the
jar and write three riddles. Student share their riddles one at a time with the class.