The Placing the pandemic in perspective resources have been designed for educators with students in Grades 7-12 who are interested in learning about visual storytelling, photography, and videography.

Students will explore examples and case studies from Canadian Geographic and other media organizations before learning how to craft their own narratives in the form of a photo essay or video vignette.

Essential Questions

• How did local geography affect your experience of the COVID-19 pandemic?
• What adjustments did you have to make during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• What has changed and/or what is new in your life as a result of the pandemic?
• What places have been particularly meaningful to you and why?

Learning Goals

• Students will discover the power of visual storytelling in the form of photography and videography.
• Students will learn about and put into practice basic photography and videography skills.
• Students will understand how geography affects our individual experiences.
• Students will create their own photo essay or video vignette focusing on their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Time needed

8 class periods of 75 minutes (can be adjusted for shorter periods)

Materials needed

• Electronic devices with internet access
• Electronic devices with camera functionality (e.g., smart phones, tablets with cameras, or digital cameras)

Connections to the Canadian Geography Learning Framework

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5