Having a Voice is designed to fit the Grade 5 Social Studies: Canadian Issues and Governance curriculum. All classes and community groups are invited to use the kit. Students or community groups will use the contents of this kit and their inquiry process skills to address participation and representation in BC politics, the electoral process and electoral boundaries.

This resource was developed for and in partnership with Elections BC.

Please contact Kim Gough using the contact information below to determine if this kit is safe for use with your class and to inquire about it's availability.
The kits are available for loans to BC schools and organizations only. There are limited copies available so plan accordingly.

Participants will engage with primary-source documents from the Royal BC Museum, Elections BC and the BC Archives.

• Maps
• Images
• Primary resource documents
• Roll cards
• Referendum ballots
• BC Electoral District Explorer user manual
• 1 educator’s resource guide

Grade 5 Social Studies

Big ideas

• Canadian institutions and government reflect our regional diversity.
• British Columbia is a parliamentary democracy and voting is part of our democratic system.

Learning standards

• Canadian Issues and Governance

The kit provides your group with a unique opportunity to look closely at primary sources, the core material for understanding our past.

When the kit arrives…

• Explain to your group your goals and intentions for using the kit
• Encourage your group to treat the material respectfully. Ask them to brainstorm about proper object-handling behaviour. Some suggestions: handle objects carefully, don’t have food or drinks nearby, wash your hands before touching materials (and so on).

During the week…

• Use the Royal BC Museum’s Learning Portal to see digitized versions of some of the material. You and your group can create your own Playlists and see what other students have done.
• Use the Activity Ideas in the resource guide to continue the learning in other creative ways.
• Have participants research the materials or events discussed in the kit further.

Returning the kit…

• Call the museum’s shipper with the information included on the enclosed waybill or drop off the kit at the museum at the pre-arranged time.
• Make sure all the materials are returned (see the enclosed checklist).
• Fill out the evaluation form and return it with the kit.