Teachers and Students

For teachers and students at the elementary or secondary level, this page provides a selection of educational materials about the law, democracy and civic participation as well as resources about school safety, bullying, and internet safety.

Other ways to find materials helpful for teachers and students are:


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

Canada/Federal

This online resource is from the Heritage Community Foundation and is part of the Virtual Museum of Canada. The Making of Treaty #8 in Canada’s Northwest, commemorates a historic event of enormous importance to Alberta’s northern First Nations.

Related legal topic(s): Aboriginal law, Classroom materials

Produced by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, this guide uses easy-reference language yet provides detailed explanations. It is suitable for students from Grade 7-12 and for newcomers wishing to learn more about the Charter. Available in English or French. (free download via Scribd, 48 pages)

Related legal topic(s): Charter of Rights, Classroom materials

This booklet is designed to give girls in Canada information about their rights and responsibilities as they relate to safety.

Related legal topic(s):

The Youth Criminal Justice Act is Canada's law that applies to youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have come into conflict with the law. This section includes information and resources to help you better understand the Act and the youth justice system. Resources available in Spanish, Inukilut, and Inuinnaqtun.

Related legal topic(s): Classroom materials

Media Smarts offers a range of media education and Internet literacy resources.

Related legal topic(s): Classroom materials, Communications and media, Internet safety

Kids in the Know is the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s interactive safety education program designed for students from Kindergarten to Grade 9. The purpose of the program is to help educators teach children and youth effective personal safety strategies in an engaging, age-appropriate and interactive way that builds resiliency skills and reduces their likelihood of victimization in the online and offline world.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse, Classroom materials, Internet safety, Sexual assault

The Nature's Laws Project was developed in a partnership involving the Heritage Community Foundation and representatives of First Nations from Treaty 6, 7 and 8. The project is a study of the legal codes and traditional governance of Alberta’s First Nations in the areas covered by Treaties 6, 7 and 8. It was structured as having research and public education components and involved Elders, academics and legal historians. The material examined was evidence found in oral histories, as well as case law, and the scholarly literature relating to Aboriginal People.

Related legal topic(s): Aboriginal law, Classroom materials

This resource was designed to help teachers and educators promote active citizenship and encourage youth to explore their rights and responsibilities in building inclusive communities based on understanding and respect. The four themes in this resource offer methods for raising awareness of human rights, understanding the role of stereotypes and prejudices in promoting discrimination, and exploring how racism and other injustices are manifested in our schools, communities, and society.

Related legal topic(s): Citizenship and nationality, Classroom materials, Human rights, Racism

An online community that connects youth to find inspiration, access information, get involved, and take action in their local and global communities. Learn about and become involved in issues related to Social justice and human rights, Poverty and globalization, Peace and conflict, Environment, Cultural diversity and equity, Education, Health and wellness. The site also includes a special section for educators.

Related legal topic(s): Citizenship and nationality, Civil society, Classroom materials, Human rights

Talk Rights is a new online space for the Canadian public to learn about their rights and freedoms. Explore their collection of resources, and contribute your own ideas, stories and priorities to the conversation. Teachers check out their resources for elementary and secondary students.

Related legal topic(s): Charter of Rights, Civil liberties, Classroom materials

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a number of rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and the right to equality. It forms part of our Constitution – the highest law in all of Canada – and is one of our country’s greatest accomplishments. Learn about the Charter, access learning resources and order a copy of the Charter.

Related legal topic(s): Charter of Rights, Civil liberties, Human rights

The site is the first Canadian student program to be conceived, designed and produced by judges. It is a multimedia educational program designed for integration into high school social studies, civics and law courses. It introduces students to the role of judges within our judicial system, and encourages exploration of important concepts such as the rule of law, judicial independence and judicial impartiality. The site is made up of three compenents - a teacher's guide, a resource website for teachers and an online interactive program for students.

Related legal topic(s): Classroom materials, Judges, Legal process

Casting your ballot lets you speak your mind. It lets you be heard. This site shows you how. It’s loaded with information for anyone who wants to know how elections work. You can look up the answers to election basics or go deeper to find information on Canada’s electoral system.

Related legal topic(s): Classroom materials, Political process and voting

The focus of this web site from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada is to help kids understand how technology affects their privacy, and what they can do to build secure online profiles while keeping their information safe. Includes teacher resources.

Related legal topic(s): Internet safety, Privacy

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