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My Chemical Mountain

Secondary, Middle

Description

Jason, Charlie and Cornpup are living in a blue collar town where most residents work at the local chemical factory which is polluting the community.  The boys spend the summer in a world of pollution biking through industrial waste at the local landfill, swimming in the contaminated creek and trespassing on old factory sites. Realizing the damage the landfill is causing to the health and environment of those around them, each boy, for his own personal reason, seeks revenge against the chemical company. The novel raises awareness of the problem of toxic waste and the lasting effects of pollution.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The themes explored in this novel would support Social Studies units that deal with student engagement, social justice and citizenship.  Have students discuss what type of environmental issue is of concern in their community. After reading, students could research hazardous waste and how it can affect their own health and that of the community.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth.
        • Environmental Science 12: Sustainable land use is essential to meet the needs of a growing population
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 7
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • People & Places in the World: Global Quality of Life
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 9
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Canadian Identities: Civics
    • Grade 10
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Civics 10: Human Rights
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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    • Grade 10
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Social Studies 1201: Power, Citizenship, and Change
  • Nova Scotia
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    • Grade 9
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Citizenship 9: Engaged Citizenship
        • Citizenship 9: Global Citizenship
  • Ontario
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science (Univ/College Prep.) Human Health and the Environment
        • Environmental Science (Workplace Prep.) Human Impact on the Environment
        • Environmental Science (Workplace Prep.) The Safe and Environmentally Responsible Workplace
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Canadian Identity: Citizenship
    • Grade 12
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 621A: Environmental Challenges and Successes
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 20: Atmosphere and Human Health
        • Environmental Science 20: Human Population and Pollution
        • Environmental Science 20: Student-Directed Study
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth.
        • Environmental Science 12: Sustainable land use is essential to meet the needs of a growing population

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Environmental Contaminants & Health Hazards

Human Rights (1)

  • Environmental Racism/Justice

Waste Management (1)

  • Hazardous Waste