CBC Digital Archives

Lesson Plan: Where Are They Now

Type:
Webquest
Subjects:
History, Social Studies, Physical Education
Duration:
2 to 3 lessons
Purpose:
To understand the impact of historical sports events on the evolution of sport
Summary:
Using a variety of Web-based resources, students will research the fate of the main players in the 1972 Canada-Soviet hockey series as well as the organizations and governments active at the time.

Lesson Plan

Introduction

Forty years have passed since the historic confrontation between the two dominant hockey powers took place. The Canada-Soviet hockey series went beyond the superficial level of just a hockey series. It was a vindication of lifestyles and political ideologies, and became an intense competition based on national pride. The intensity and focus on the participants in this event affected their lives irrevocably. For some, the event was the climax of their careers. For others, it was a launching pad to other great moments. Others experienced great personal tragedy. The series also affected hockey organizations and the way the game is played in Canada.

The Task

Students select two or three of the items on the following list and conduct in-depth online research to create a highlight reel of the past 40 years.

 

Vsevolod Bobrov

Bobby Clarke

Ken Dryden

Alan Eagleson

Phil Esposito

Paul Henderson

Valeri Kharlamov

Harry Sinden

Vladislav Tretiak

Alexander Yakushev

"Amateur" world hockey

Hockey players in the NHL

The NHL and world hockey

Summit series "clones"

The USSR


Research should focus on a person's accomplishments, highs and lows, and future after the series; or on changes to a country, concept, or idea over the last 40 years. Students should include an analysis of the impact of the series on the items from the list they have chosen. Students may present their information through a web page, videotape, audio tape, poster display, written essay, speech, or any other media of their choice.

The Process

Working independently, students will begin their research on the topic Canada-Soviet Hockey Series, 1972 on the CBC Radio and Television Archives website. After selecting the focus for their presentation, students will expand their research to include other resources, online or print, that they find relevant and useful. Students should trace their topic through to the present day. If they have selected a person who has passed away, they should include memorial events held in that person's honour.

Conclusion

Have students deliver their presentations to the class. At the conclusion of the presentations, students will write a short essay about how the series changed the way hockey is played today.