In Media 4-1, we are going to learn about one of the world's premier environmental activists, David Suzuki.

In addition to researching about his life, we are going to watch a documentary about him in three parts.

David Suzuki

David Suzuki

David Suzuki is a Canadian environmental activist.

Before viewing: Work with a partner or group. Using Wikipedia, find answers to the following questions about David Suzuki:

  1. Describe the terrible event that happened to Suzuki and his family when he was a child.
  2. What did Suzuki teach and research at the University of British Columbia for almost forty years?
  3. Although David Suzuki has created several well-known TV specials, books, and other publications, which broadcast has he continued to work on for more than thirty years? Is it only known in Canada?
  4. What is Suzuki’s opinion on climate change?
  5. Why in recent years, has Suzuki limited his travel?

Video 1

Important vocabulary for each part of the documentary has been listed. For each video, there are post-viewing discussion questions. Answer the questions with a partner or group.

Force of Nature - Part 1

David Suzuki talks about the environment.

Post-Viewing Discussion

  • Where were David Suzuki's parents born? What was their native language?
  • Why was he picked on as a child in the internment camp?
  • What happened to Suzuki’s grandparents?
  • What are the repercussions on the environment of an increased world population?
  • How did Suzuki compare the aftermath of Hiroshima and the threatened world today?
  • Why does he say everybody is still in Hiroshima?
  • Why were the fish so valuable at the fish market?
  • What are the two symbols which join to convey the word, "crisis" in Chinese? Why is this significant?

Video 2

Force of Nature - Part 2

David Suzuki talks about the environment.

Post-Viewing Discussion

  • Summarize Suzuki’s comparison of the world’s growth to bacteria in a test tube.
  • Why did Suzuki almost quit his career as a scientist?
  • What did Guudjaaw mean when he said the Haida would become like everyone else if the watershed were logged?
  • What does Suzuki mean when he says, “We are the environment”?
  • What does he mean when he says, “We are air”?
  • Summarize what Suzuki explained about breaths of air. How do we know we share air with people with the past, present, and future?
  • In short, why do you think Suzuki cares so much about the environment?

Video 3

Force of Nature - Part 3

David Suzuki talks about the environment.

Post-Viewing Discussion

  • What is Suzuki’s relationship with the Haida?
  • Why does Suzuki say “I’m staying” are very powerful words?
  • What is Suzuki’s point when discussing all the important things to happen in his home?
  • What are Suzuki’s hopes for the future of mankind?
keyboard_arrow_up