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The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes

In this short documentary from conservationist Bill Mason, he illustrates that although the Great Lakes have had their ups and downs, nothing has been harder to take than what humans have done to them lately. In the film, a lone canoeist lives through the changes of geological history, through Ice Age and flood, only to find himself in the end trapped in a sea of scum.
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In this short documentary from conservationist Bill Mason, he illustrates that although the Great Lakes have had their ups and downs, nothing has been harder to take than what humans have done to them lately. In the film, a lone canoeist lives through the changes of geological history, through Ice Age and flood, only to find himself in the end trapped in a sea of scum.

Environment and Conservation Geography and Geology All subjects
Our Planet in Focus All channels
  • director
    Bill Mason
  • writer
    Bill Mason
  • photography
    Bill Mason
  • editing
    Bill Mason
  • animation
    Bill Mason
  • producer
    Joseph Koenig
  • animation camera
    Kjeld Nielsen
  • sound editing
    Alex Rayment
  • re-recording
    Roger Lamoureux
    Michel Descombes
  • music
    Bruce Mackay
    Robert Fleming
  • cast
    Blake James

Education

Ages 9 to 14

Notes

Before viewing: Brainstorm to learn what students already know about the formation of the Great Lakes, their importance to Canadian industry and transportation, and the present-day pollution of these lakes. Post-viewing: Discuss how the Great Lakes waters have been polluted as a result of human actions. Discuss possible solutions for the future.

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The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes
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