Secondary Lessons

Title: Provincial Government (April 2018)

Summary: In this lesson, students explore the role of each branch and get a better understanding of the areas of responsibility of the provincial government. Students deepen their understanding about how government affects them and how political decisions impact local, national or global communities, and reflect on how they can  influence government by voting in elections.

Title: Rights and Responsibilities in a Democracy

Summary: In this lesson, students discuss the rights they have at school in a Placemat Activity. Together they create a class charter and reflect on the responsibilities that go along with their rights. Students review the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and then create a Mind Map to draw relevant connections to their lives. Afterwards, students consider the responsibilities associated with the rights and freedoms they have in Canada. In the ‘Consolidation’ activity, students reflect on low voter turnout and the significance of voting in elections.

Title: Active and Engaged Citizenship

Summary: In this lesson, students review the concept of objectives and results and hear stories from other Ontario youth that have taken actions on issues that matter to them. Afterwards, they examine an issue of importance to them and establish an action plan to achieve specific objectives.

Title: Provincial Elections in Ontario (April 2018)

Summary: In this lesson, students learn about the election process in Ontario. After learning the basics, students work in groups to research a candidate or party running in their school’s electoral district and present this information to the rest of the class. Students reflect on the similarities and differences between the candidates and/or parties, and assess which they would support and why. Overall, students cultivate the skills and attitudes that foster civic engagement and develop their civic self‑image.

Title: Election Issues (April 2018)

Summary: In this lesson, students discuss and rank the top challenges facing Ontario today. After reviewing the electoral process in Ontario, students work in groups to investigate an election issue and compare the positions or solutions proposed by each of the parties and/or candidates. Students use the concepts of political thinking to assess the different viewpoints and evaluate the proposed actions. In the ‘Consolidation’ activity, students reflect on which issues matter most to them and which issues have become the most important in the election campaign and why.

Title: Democratic Participation

Summary: In this lesson, students will examine voter turnout statistics over the last thirty years and consider the significance of the trends and impact of varying rates among age groups. Students will discuss the concept of political socialization and reflect on their own attitudes towards democratic engagement. After reviewing  the electoral participation research, students will work in groups to design a marketing campaign to promote democratic engagement among youth. In the consolidation activity, students will debate different proposals to increase voter turnout.

Title: The Provincial Voting Process (April 2018)

Summary: In this lesson, students share their views and opinions about participating in the voting process. Students review essential information about who, where, when and how people vote in provincial elections. In groups, students discuss their opinions on the leaders, candidates, issues and party platforms, and consider a way to rank these aspects in making their voting decision. In the culminating activity, students design a campaign styled poster, slide deck, speech or dramatic presentation aimed helping people understand how to vote and why.

Title: Moral Foundations & Ideologies

Summary: In this lesson, students use the political inquiry process when reflecting on ideologies and political discourse. In the ‘Minds On’ activity, students explore the moral foundations theory and rank the principles in order of importance to them. Afterwards, students review research that suggests that our morals dictate our political orientation and assess this impact among themselves and their peers. In small groups, students practice developing arguments for specific public policies tailored to individuals on each side of the political spectrum. In the ‘Consolidation’ activity, students reflect on the link between morals and ideology, and consider their position on the political spectrum.

Title: The Provincial Government Budget (April 2018)

Summary: In the ‘Minds On’ activity students estimate what they believe the breakdown of provincial government expenses and revenues should be for the upcoming year. Afterwards, students review Budget 2018 highlights and examine the government’s breakdown of projected expenses and revenue resources. Students consider the impact of the budget on them and their families, and the aspects they agree and disagree with.