Lesson Plan: Using Chemical and Biological Weapons

Lesson Plan

Before Exploring

Brainstorm the types of indiscriminately destructive weapons that exist in the arsenals of armies today and list the students' responses on the board or chart paper. Have them categorize the list into four columns: conventional, nuclear, chemical, and biological. Ask students to order the list from those most likely to be used in battle to those least likely to be used in battle. Keep their conclusions available for later discussion.

Outline the Opportunity

Direct students to the topic The 1991 Gulf War on the CBC Digital Archives website. Have the students review the clips "Conventional versus chemical warfare", "The fires of Kuwait", "Canadian Forces at Canada Dry" and "Chemical weapons and economic sanctions."

Present the resolution: Be it resolved that chemical and biological weapons are appropriate for Coalition Forces to use in a war against Iraq. Organize the class into groups of four and have each group prepare a position paper either supporting or refuting the resolution.

Revisit and Reflect

Have each group present its position paper to the class. Discuss the points made and identify a class position on the issue. Display the list from the opening activity. Ask students to reassess the priorities on the list and to explain their reasons for any changes.

Extension

Students can write a letter to the Department of National Defence outlining the class position on chemical and biological weapons.