Background: Like other professional training programs, social work pedagogy has long recognized the value of experiential learning for professional development. Despite social work's rich experiential learning literature involving field education, direct practice courses, and program evaluation, there is a dearth of literature examining how to…

Describes activities that can be adapted for students in elementary to high school grade levels that link teaching about local government to the concept of community and provide starting points for project ideas centering on the active involvement of students, teachers, and local government officials. (CMK)

Discusses the use of a mock Canadian city council to help students develop an understanding of their local government and community. Presents a plan for running a mock council, and encourages the use of simulations to enhance the learning experience. (LS)