Lesson Plan

Printable Version (PDF)

Title

Parliamentary Committee Live with...

Audience

Social Studies 11 and Law 12

Overview

Students will demonstrate learning in how B.C.'s parliamentary committee system operates.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

1. Devise and execute a public opinion poll.
2. Research information to support a position.
3. Formulate a written position on the issue.
4. Demonstrate principles of debate.
5. Explain the function and operation of a B.C. parliamentary committee.

Activities and Method

1. Role play to introduce the role and function of a parliamentary committee. This can be done through a skit or video presentation. It can be presented in class or to a school assembly.
2. Administer a public opinion poll to class, school, and community.
3. Students work in groups to research and formulate a written position, including witnesses, experts, formulating pro/con positions.
4. Students participate in a mock parliamentary committee to debate information on the positions taken. This activity can be filmed or witnessed by another class (like a public gallery).

Preparation (by teacher and by students)

Teacher:

1. Read background information on "Committees" (refer to the "PURPOSE" section of Discover Your Legislature on www.leg.bc.ca).
2. Review Parliamentary Committees brochure on Legislative Assembly website (www.leg.bc.ca).
3. Review the Standing Orders (rules for debate in the House) (www.leg.bc.ca).
4. Book library research time.
5. Gather materials for "illustration".

Students:

1. Create a poll question and gather information.
2. Formulate assessment rubrics.
3. Gather materials for "illustration" and research information.
4. Formulate a written position on the issue.

Duration of Activity (4-6 classes)

1. Introduce the topic of B.C.'s parliamentary committee system. (1 class)
2. Research (2-3 classes): survey poll, opposing sides, creation of role playing witnesses, "illustrations", to be submitted by students in a Plan of Action.
3. Conduct mock parliamentary committee meeting. (1-2 classes)

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire skills of research, surveying, argumentation, presentation, active listening and oral articulation.

Materials and Resources

www.leg.bc.ca

www.statcan.ca

www.icbc.com

www.dsabc.ca

www.collectionscanada.ca

rubistar.4teachers.org

And various publications from the Federal Teacher's Parliamentary Institute Kit

Evaluation of Activity

• Teacher to guide students who will devise rubrics for self, group, and teacher evaluation of the various stages of the activity.

Submitted By

Beverley McEwan, Collingwood School
Caroline Ross, Terry Fox Secondary School, SD # 43 (Coquitlam)
Ming Hu, R.E. Mountain Secondary School, SD # 35 (Langley)
Kevin Littlechilds, Okanagan Adventist Academy
Ian Malcolmson, Smithers Secondary School, SD # 54 (Bulkley Valley)
Alan Kaselj, Centenniel Secondary School, SD # 43 (Coquitlam)

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.