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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Treasure of the Tar

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners, using an atlas, locate the region known as the "Tar Sands" in the Central Plains of Canada. They hypothesize about the future economic potential of this natural resource. They create a poster about the Tar Sands industry in...
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Website
Other

Greenpeace: Explore Alberta a Tar Sands Vacation Video

For Students 9th - 10th
This video is a satirical look at what a summer vacation to the tar sands would be like. Awaken to propane cannons scaring birds off the toxic lakes, take your children to swim at a tarry beach, and so on. You can also check the weather...
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Website
Other

Pembina Institute: Oilsands Watch

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a group that acts as a watchdog for the tar sands oil industry. It has articles and videos about the tar sands, as well as links to other websites on energy issues.
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Handout
Other

Pembina Institute: Oil Sands Fever Strikes Edmonton

For Students 9th - 10th
The Pembina Institute has published a report and a 4-page fact sheet on the expansion of oil upgrader facilities in Edmonton from one location to eight, changing the area north of Edmonton into 'Upgrader Alley'. The report describes the...
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Website
Government of Alberta

Alberta Historic Sites and Museums: Oil Sands Discovery Centre

For Students 9th - 10th
The Oil Sands Discovery Centre in Fort McMurray is operated by the Alberta government but sponsored by private companies and individuals. It tells the story of the history and development of the oil sands.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Trucks on the Oil Fields Outside Alberta, Canada

For Students 9th - 10th
News article from Oct. 20, 2007. It discusses the impact of Alberta's oil industry on the town of Fort McMurray. As the cost of a barrel of oil has risen, it has become financially feasible to extract oil from Alberta's tar sands, a more...