November Activity – Rules And Laws - The ACTiZENS' Club Programme by Desh Apnayen

INTRODUCTION

There are many important reasons as to why laws are important. Laws keep people safe, keep an order in the society, and protect the rights of individuals. Without laws and regulations, life would be chaotic and there would be no peaceful way to settle disputes or disagreements. It is therefore important that people understand the basics of law so that they can abide by it and contribute towards a peaceful society.

Laws are there to protect people from harm— whether that harm comes from other people, government, a corporation or, in certain circumstances, even from themselves.

It is not uncommon for people to try to hurt themselves and others. Law can help prevent this by setting certain rules and standards of conduct.

For example, there is a law that says you cannot drive a car under the influence of alcohol. This law helps keep people safe because it prevents accidents caused due to drunk driving. If a driver breaks this law, then they may have to pay monetary penalty. There is also the risk that the driver will injure themselves or someone else. These consequences discourage the driver from repeating it in the future.

Law exists both formally — when it is created through legislation — and informally when it is the standard of behaviour modelled by the society.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Students will be exposed to the concept of law.
Students will understand the value of law and rules in social life.
Prepare students for future citizenship.

Skills – Team Spirit, Communication skills, Critical Thinking skills

SESSIONS’ OVERVIEW

S. No.	Session Details	Estimated Time Required
1.	Teachers kindly follow Steps 1, 2, and 3.	45 Minutes
2.	Teachers kindly follow Steps 4, 5, and 6.	45 Minutes

STEPS OF THE ACTIVITY

Period 1

Step 1: Introduction

Step 2: Explain and conduct the activity

Step 3: Planning for the next class & homework

Step1:

Introduction

Teachers are requested to introduce the topic and then ask a few questions, like-

Have you heard of any law which you can name?
List some school rules that you know.
What is the difference between 'laws’ and ‘rules’?

Have a class discussion on the given questions.

Later, the teacher can tell students that we just discussed some rules and laws followed in our country and school. But, do you know that all over the world laws and rules are made and followed. Today we are going to enlighten ourselves with some laws and rules followed in other countries of the world and compare them to those of our country’s.

Singapore is well known for its clean cities. Are there any laws for its citizens which help it to maintain such clean cities? Discuss, if they know anything, or else explain students as to how they maintain such neat cities with the help of a small video.

Step 2:

Video watching

Let us watch a video to understand one such law.

https://youtu.be/UM6pmSEPTpo

After watching the video ask questions, like-

Do you think we can implement such laws in India? (Like fine people for throwing rubbish on the road)
What do you think will be the pros and cons of having such laws in place in India?

Conduct a class discussion on the same.

Discussion will be on the Pro and Cons of such laws in the Indian system.

Teachers are requested to write the important points of the discussion on the board as a ready reckoner for students.

After the discussion activity, the teacher will make new groups and plan for the next class.

Step 3:

Research & Presentation plan for the next class

Teacher will divide the class into 4-5 groups. Each group will discuss the presentation and mutual work distribution among themselves. They will research the topic and give their opinion in the presentation in the next upcoming class. Presentation can be made either verbally, or through power point or any other medium of their choice.

Research Work:

Explore and find out about laws and rules followed in other parts of the world. Student groups can choose any country of their choice. They can select any rule that interests them and they want to be implemented in India.

They can select from the given topics for research and presentation:

Cyber Security Reference link: https://youtu.be/XOAPofe_5SM
Traffic rules Reference link: https://youtu.be/Z8wNqOsxaIM
Education System Reference link: https://youtu.be/w41koarq85k
Crime against children Reference link: https://youtu.be/mGaqmFuVRfI

Note:

If students wish to take any topic other than those mentioned above, they need to take approval by the teacher.
Reference links are only for guidance purpose. They can refer to other information related to the topic.
This activity is not meant to belittle any country or its law. It is only undertaken to improve information and skills of the students.

Presentation can include the following:

Details of the law/rule.
Name of the country.
Positive & negative points about it.
Reflections on the Indian scenario with such a law in place.
Mention any new law they want as citizens of the country.

Students will research the topic for homework and come prepared for the presentation in the next class.

Period 2:

Step 4: Main Activity – Presentation

Step 5: Debrief

Step 6: Reflection sheets & Feedback form

Step 4:

Main Activity

Student representatives from each group will come forward to give the presentation.
Each presentation can be 3-4 minutes long.
After each presentation, teachers are requested to discuss important points and write them on the board.
Appreciate students’ effort and hard work.

Step 5:

Debrief

The teachers are requested to debrief the session by explaining how the various countries of the world have laws that are providing their citizens with safe, secure, clean, and happier social environment.

The teacher can debrief the session further with questions like:

Without law, what would our country look like?

Expected answers:

Chaos: You should look both ways before crossing the street because no one else will!

No Rules: There is no code of conduct, so anything goes.

No Rights: With no laws to protect you, you are lucky to make it if you are different from everyone else.

No Justice: If the jury does not know whether the law has been broken or not, there shall be no justice.

No Order: Anarchy shall follow since nothing stops one from doing what they want!

No Protection: There is no one to watch over us or ensure our safety, so beware of robbers and thieves.

No Freedom: Without laws to guide us and provide justice, we shall be limited in our lives.

In short, without laws and a legal framework in society we would have chaos, anarchy and absolutely no rights or even a civilised society for that matter.