Bringing Public Policy into the Classroom with Policy 101
How do governments make decisions that shape our everyday lives? And how can young people better understand and engage in those decisions?
The Policy 101 series, developed by the Action Canada Fellowship, is a free bilingual educational resource designed to equip high school students with a comprehensive understanding of Canadian public policy and how to engage in it.
The series features young Action Canada Fellows and leaders from across the country, who share their insights through the lens of their diverse perspectives and experiences. Through real-world examples, students can explore how public policy works and how decisions affect communities across Canada.
Policy 101 currently includes twelve modules and two case studies, featuring videos, podcasts and teacher guides. A new case study will launch on August 26. The teacher guides were developed in consultation with social studies teachers from across Canada and connect the content to curricula in every province and territory.
All Policy 101 resources are free and include:
- Comprehensive videos with visual explanations, real-world examples and bilingual transcripts;
- Teacher guides to support integration into the classroom;
- Editable appendices that allow educators to adapt activities to their students’ needs; and
- A Certificate of Completion for students who successfully complete all Policy 101 modules and case studies
The resources have also been tested in the classroom. A recent pilot with Grade 9 and 10 students at St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife found the content clear, engaging and age appropriate. Teachers particularly valued the flexibility of the materials and their potential for adaptation to different classroom activities.
Whether you are an educator looking for classroom resources or a student interested in understanding how decisions are made in Canada, Policy 101 offers a practical and engaging place to start.
