Our
Voice

exPlOring ciViCs
eXploRing CivicS
ExplorinG CiVics

Lesson overview

This lesson explores the main laws and systems which can help build an Aotearoa New Zealand where all young people thrive, and explains how collective participation – by young people - can help make that a reality.

Purpose of lesson:

To build an understanding of the legal principles which underpin our democracy, and how collective participation in the system promotes rights, social cohesion and other positive outcomes.

Key inquiry questions:

How do human rights promote an Aotearoa New Zealand where all people can thrive?

How does widespread participation in democracy help to protect and support people’s rights?

How does the participation of young people in our democracy help make an Aotearoa New Zealand a place where all young people thrive?

What's in this pack?

There is a short video, a worksheet and an in-class game to engage students and introduce some key civics concepts: collective voice; and inclusive and enabling systems. Guidance material for teachers is also provided.

How to use this pack?

The pack includes everything you need for the lesson and can be completed in one period, watch the video within this page, or on YouTube, then download the worksheet and printable games. It's best if the students watch the video first, while completing the worksheet provided. Then students play the game to explore the concepts in practice.

Resources

In the video:

  • Young people discuss collective voice and the power that comes from people working together on social issues.
  • Our "expert" introduces the key democratic principles that can help to build a society where all people thrive, and helps young people understand collective action provides a protective layer to our democratic rights.
  • We also hear from an inspirational young person who helped mobilise a large group of people around a shared democratic goal.

In the worksheet:

The activity worksheet will capture key points from the video and will link to the following game.

In the game:

  • It’s a voting game – where players put different policy goals in head-to-head match-ups – then vote - until one goal emerges as the winner.
  • The game is designed for students to discuss the relative merits of social change ideas, and to converge upon a single, shared social policy goal they want to pursue.
  • As well as educating children and young people about the processes and values underpinning our democracy, the gameplay is designed to mimic democratic decision-making.

Download Pack

To access everything you need for this lesson (including teaching materials and the game), please enter your details and hit download.



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