Canadian Geography – Resource Relay
Equipment list
Task cards (Resource Cards & Event Cards)
Cones or markers for zones (Start Zone, Challenge Zone, Card Pick-Up Zone)
Optional: Stopwatches or timers
Explanation
This active and engaging relay helps students connect physical geography with human settlement and economic patterns across Canada.
Students work in teams to complete a fun, fast-paced challenge that combines physical movement with critical thinking.
How it Works:
The first participants(s) from each team leave the Start Zone, running or moving in a manner of their choice.
At the Challenge Zone, they complete a short physical task (e.g., 5 jumping jacks). These movement options are drawn from a card deck. Alternatively, roll a large dice with photo inserts depicting movement options.
They then sprint to the Card Pick-Up Zone, collect a Resource Card related to their geographic region, and return to their team.
As a team, they answer:
Why is this resource found in our region?
How has it shaped our economy or settlement?
In the next round, runners collect Event Cards instead (e.g., wildfires, new infrastructure projects, migration trends).
Teams discuss:
How does this event affect your region?
What might change – jobs, population, economy?
Variations
Add a time challenge: How many cards can your team analyze in 10 minutes?
Progression
Start with local (provincial) resources and expand to national comparisons.
Incorporate current events or historical data in Event Cards.
Students can create their own Resource or Event Cards as a culminating project.
ASK ID 2025-04-30-001-E