Skip to content
Accessibility
Chemical Conquest
A documentary about the chemical research that was used against crop-threatening insects, plant diseases and weeds in the 1950s. The film shows laboratory experiments at a government research station and poses questions about the ultimate effects of toxic substances on food-producing soil.
A documentary about the chemical research that was used against crop-threatening insects, plant diseases and weeds in the 1950s. The film shows laboratory experiments at a government research station and poses questions about the ultimate effects of toxic substances on food-producing soil.
-
directorLarry Gosnell
-
producerLarry Gosnell
-
scriptLarry Gosnell
-
executive producerDavid Bairstow
-
photographyGrant Crabtree
-
soundClarke DapratoGeorge Croll
-
sound editingBernard Bordeleau
-
narratorJames Tapp
-
musicJoan Edward
-
editingMaureen Balfe
Ages 12 to 17
School subjects
After viewing, inform students that the film was produced in 1956. What changes have been made to farming practices to promote or preserve nature's balance? Groups of students carry out research on the chemicals now used in farming, including industry regulations and known risks to humans or other organisms. Draw up a web to illustrate the importance of the food chain and effects of imbalance. Observe safety procedures used in the film, compare and contrast to today. Observe scientific methods used in the film and apply to classroom experiments.
More educational content
Chemical Conquest, Larry Gosnell, provided by the National Film Board of Canada