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Suitable for students in grade 9
This activity is intended as a follow up to the video, “Ottawa Riverkeeper – Stand Up for Your River” but may also be carried out on its own. It was developed to allow students to think critically about the many uses of the Ottawa River. Through this role-play exercise, students will discuss solutions for preserving their local river, while considering various interests, including local business, industrial development, and municipal government.
Suggested time allocation: 1 to 2 periods (45 – 90 minutes).
Instructions for Teachers:
Day 1: Watch the movie and have a brief discussion. Divide the students into 5 groups and assign each a role play scenario (numbered below). You will act as the Mayor. Read the general scenario and then ask a member from each group to read their description to the class. Give the students 15-20 minutes to discuss their scenarios within their groups and develop the position they will bring to the meeting. Ask them to develop a list of arguments to support their position and against opposing positions on the handout provided.
Day 2: If possible, form desks into a U-shape or bring chairs together and call the meeting ‘to order’. Ask each group to outline their position. After each group has had a turn, the Mayor can ask questions about group or individual interests to expand the discussion further (see below). Each group will have a final chance to summarize their thoughts. Try to see if the group can reach a consensus on how the town should proceed. Have the students write up their arguments, as well as a summary of the outcome of their meeting.
General Scenario – Polluters Must Pay?
Aquaville has a population of 12,000 and is located on the shores of the Ottawa River. Over the past year, the Health Unit has noticed increased incidences of skin rashes, dizziness and fainting after human contact with the River. An investigation has revealed that TOXIC Inc. has been illegally discharging pollutants into the River. As a result, many children and elderly persons have become sick and residents are starting to worry about whether or not the River is safe for swimming, drinking, fishing, and boating. The River is the lifeblood of this community – it is the towns primary source of drinking water and is vitally important for recreation, industry and tourism. Since Toxic Inc. employs nearly half of Aquaville’s residents, the livelihood of the company is also important to the community and its residents. The Mayor has announced a consultation meeting to bring townspeople and stakeholders together, to determine how to resolve the issue and restore confidence in the community.
Role-Play Group Scenarios:
Group 1: You are a member of town council and are aware of the importance of TOXIC Inc. to your community. If everyone loses their job, there will be no one around to pay taxes, and you will lose your job! If everyone gets sick, they won’t be able to work, either. You also don’t want any three-eyed fishes in your river! How will you protect the health of your citizens and ensure the town is a great place to live and work? Bring a solution to the Mayor’s meeting.
Group 2: You run a marine ecology centre, which employs five local scientists and six marine biology students. Your centre is well-respected in the community and draws in visitors from around the world. You give tours throughout the watershed and your program is an important part of the towns tourism industry. Your livelihood is dependent on a healthy river ecosystem and you feel very protective of it. When you heard about the illegal discharge, you were very concerned. You receive a grant from TOXIC Inc., and are worried about disrupting your relationship with the company, but you also need to protect the River. Tell your Mayor why this River is important to your centre and why your centre is important to the town.
Group 3: You are the Ottawa Riverkeeper. When you heard news of TOXIC Inc’s dump in the River, you knew you had to jump to action. Your phone has been ringing off the hook from concerned citizens, both in Aquaville and further downstream in neighbouring communities. They are not only concerned about their own health, but the potential impact on aquatic life as well. You completely agree that this is not acceptable. The pollution must stop and you are prepared to use the law to make it so. You come to the meeting representing the concerned citizens of the waterway. You need to make your case to ensure that TOXIC Inc. is held accountable.
Group 4: You are the mother (or father) of three children and are just making ends meet financially. You (both) work for TOXIC Inc. While you are concerned about the environment, the water quality problems are downstream from where you live. You are more worried about losing your job if TOXIC Inc. should have to pay big fines or install a new technology to clean up their problem. You risk losing your house and might even have to move. Let the Mayor know how you feel about the impact on you and your family.
Group 5: You are the CEO of TOXIC Inc. You have been dumping pollution in the River for a long time and it was never a problem before. You think that the cases discovered by the Health Unit are isolated, and there is no proof that the events are related to your factory. You have a long standing presence in the community and fund a lot of local initiatives through your profits. You also employ over half of the townspeople. You like Aquaville, but are prepared to move your business if upgrades are going to cost too much. You need to help the Mayor realize how important your business is to the town.