Packaging Tricks
This lesson introduces students to the ways in which packaging is designed to attract kids.
Game Time
In this lesson, students consider the positive aspects of video games as well as the ways in which games may take time away from other activities they enjoy. Students are introduced to the idea of balancing game and screen time with other parts of their lives and learn about the reasons why they may be tempted to spend more time playing games or find it difficult to stop playing. They then keep a diary of their game play (or another screen activity if they do not play video games) that prompts them to reflect on their gaming habits. Partway through that process, they are introduced to techniques that will help them moderate their game play and deal with the difficulties they may feel reducing game time. Finally, students reflect on the experience and develop a plan to make their game play more mindful.
Calendar of Awareness Days: Digital media literacy resources for the classroom
Looking for creative ways to integrate digital media literacy activities into your teaching practice? We've developed this calendar of special awareness days for educators to easily pinpoint opportunities to explore a variety of digital media issues while recognizing commemorative events throughout the school year. We've linked each awareness day to a list of free K-12 lesson plans, tip sheets and more teaching resources.
Digital media literacy workshop delivery
MediaSmarts’ experts are available to facilitate virtual and in-person workshops in school and community settings for parents/guardians, educators, youth, older adults and the general public. Our workshops cover topics such as AI literacy online safety, misinformation, digital well-being, managing tech in the home, diversity and representation in media, digital citizenship, critical thinking, online hate and more.
Generative AI in Education
The Generative AI in Education professional development workshop supports educators in the effective and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the classroom, helping them prepare youth to understand the complexities and implications of AI. The workshop explores critical topics such as what generative AI is and how it works; why (and whether) to use AI in education; and what effective, ethical and student-centered use of AI in the classroom might look like.
MediaSmarts Open Call for Teen Fact-Checkers Fall 2026
MediaSmarts, Canada’s centre for digital media literacy and a registered charity, is excited to announce that the bilingual Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN) program - Réseau vérif ado in Canada will be continuing into 2026/2027! This international program was started in 2018 by MediaWise, a nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative of the Poynter Institute in the U.S., and has since expanded to Brazil, Germany, India, Spain, and Bulgaria.
CyberSafe Seniors: Preventing AI Fraud and Scams
CyberSafe Seniors addresses the growing threat of AI-enabled online fraud and scams targeting older Canadians. As AI tools become more accessible, scammers are using tactics such as voice cloning, deepfake videos, and highly convincing techniques to impersonate loved ones and fabricate financial emergencies. Older adults are more likely to be targeted by these scams, often losing large amounts of money as well as feeling shame, anxiety, and social isolation.
The Price of Happiness
In this lesson students answer a brief questionnaire related to self-image, self-esteem, and advertising, and then work as groups to create and act in mock television commercials that parody advertising techniques.