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Chemical Conquest

1956 25 min
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A documentary about the chemical research that was used against crop-threatening insects, plant diseases and weeds in the 1950s. The film shows laboratory experiments at a government research station and poses questions about the ultimate effects of toxic substances on food-producing soil.

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Chemical Conquest

Details

A documentary about the chemical research that was used against crop-threatening insects, plant diseases and weeds in the 1950s. The film shows laboratory experiments at a government research station and poses questions about the ultimate effects of toxic substances on food-producing soil.
  • director
    Larry Gosnell
  • producer
    Larry Gosnell
  • script
    Larry Gosnell
  • executive producer
    David Bairstow
  • photography
    Grant Crabtree
  • sound
    Clarke Daprato
    George Croll
  • sound editing
    Bernard Bordeleau
  • narrator
    James Tapp
  • music
    Joan Edward
  • editing
    Maureen Balfe

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Education

Ages 12 to 17
School subjects
After viewing, inform students that the film was produced in 1956. What changes have been made to farming practices to promote or preserve nature's balance? Groups of students carry out research on the chemicals now used in farming, including industry regulations and known risks to humans or other organisms. Draw up a web to illustrate the importance of the food chain and effects of imbalance. Observe safety procedures used in the film, compare and contrast to today. Observe scientific methods used in the film and apply to classroom experiments.
Chemical Conquest
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