Lesson Plan

Printable Version (PDF)

Title

Change You Can Believe In

Audience

Social Studies 11
Civics 11
Social Studies 5

Overview

Methods of influencing government.

Objectives

Students will identify issues of personal concern.
Students will gather data pertaining to their issues.
Students will identify the appropriate level of government.
Students will write a letter to government MLA or MP.
Students will determine if their letter was an effective method of change.
Students will identify other methods of change and evaluate their effectiveness.

Activities and Method

1. Identify an issue of student interest.
2. Brainstorm tactics for changing government policy on the issue.
   Possible tactics may include:
   • Letter writing (MLA, MP, Councillor, Letter to Editor)
   • Public protest (sit-ins, strikes, etc.)
   • Petitions
   • Elections BC (Recall, Citizens Initiative)
   • Civil Disobedience
   • Web 2.0 (Facebook, Twitter, Wiki)
3. Students research an issue important to them.
4. Students are taught how to write an effective letter outlining their issue to their MLA/MP. Students must identify to which address and to which MLA/MP they will be sending their letter. (Note: postage is not required to a federal MP) Possible collaboration opportunity. Coordinate lesson with English teacher/department.
5. Students to write their letter.
6. Peer/teacher proofing. Possible formative assessment.
7. Send letter.
8. Return class attention to original brainstorm list.
   1. Students divided into groups
   2. Each group selects one item from brainstorm list
   3. Each group researches pros/cons of their option and prepares a short presentation to the class about the relative merits of their option.
9. Groups make presentations to class.
10. Class votes on which tactic appears to be the most effective.
11. Students write a reflection on how they can effect change in government.

Preparation (by teacher and by students)

• Teacher needs to book computer lab.
• Teacher needs to find MLA’s web site (www.leg.bc.ca) or MP’s website (www.parl.gc.ca)
• Students will need to identify issues that need to be changed.

Duration of Activity

3 to 5 lessons.

Learning Outcomes

• Students should be able to explain how Canadians can affect change at the federal and provincial levels
• Students should be able to demonstrate effective research skills including:
• accessing information
• assessing information
• collecting data
• evaluating data
• organizing information
• presenting information
• Students should be able to demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
• Students should be able to demonstrate skills and attitudes of active citizenship

Materials & Resources

Online resources.
List of current event topics.
Letter writing template.
Printer.
Computer lab.

Evaluation of Activity

Students will write a short reflection on the methods and ability of Canadians to affect change in their government.

Submitted By:

Ken Kranenborg, WL Seaton Secondary School, School District # 22 (Vernon)
Todd Foxcroft, Aldergrove Community Secondary School, School District #35 (Langley)
Daniel Royer, Argyle Secondary School, School District #44 (North Vancouver)
Christine Winger, West Vancouver Secondary School, School District # 45 (West Vancouver)

NOTE: The ideas and opinions expressed in this classroom activity belong to their authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The Public Education and Outreach office only edits for clarity.