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Biggest Commons Problem of All—What Is It (The)

Lesson 5:

From Unit New Philanthropy--A Hands-On Way of Giving (The)

Lesson

Handouts

Academic Standards

Philanthropy Framework

9th-12th Grade

Subjects:

Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

ELA:	Reflection; Technology
PHIL:	Foundations; Nonprofit Organizations
SOC:	Community; Inquiry; Social Action

Purpose:

Learners will match a major social problem with a foundation that is trying to help solve the problem and research its work.

Duration:

Two Fifty-Five Minute Class Periods

Objectives:

The learner will:

define a major social issue as a "commons problem." ·
describe how a foundation or other nonprofit agency is helping to solve the problem.

Service Experience:

Although this lesson contains a service project example, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

The learners will present their findings on "commons problems" to members of the student council or various community leaders at a community forum held during their class period or after school. This will give the learners an opportunity to present what they feel are important commons problems and give suggestions on how they can be solved through the cooperation with various foundations and/or nonprofit agencies. It will give community leaders an opportunity to work with students in a cooperative effort. Various invitees include the mayor of the city, city commissioners, police chief, school superintendent, CEO's of major companies in town, parents, and other concerned citizens.

Materials:

Rubric for "Commons Problem Paper" (Attachment One)
"The New Philanthropy-A Hands On Way of Giving" Unit Quiz (Attachment Two)

Handout 1: Rubric for "Commons Problem" Paper
Handout 2: New Philanthropy-A Hands-On Way of Giving Unit Quiz

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set:

Write the term "commons problem" on the board. Have the learners write down what they think the phrase means. Give them a minute to write something down and then start writing their answers on the board. After the learners have exhausted their supply of answers, explain to the learners that, for our purposes, a "commons problem" would be a problem that is shared by "the whole group of people.

"Next, have the learners write down at least three "commons problems" that affect their community. Let them brainstorm for about two minutes, and then start listing problems on the board.
Using the computer lab, classroom computer, and/or library, let the students select what they feel is a commons problem, research it, and research the foundation or nonprofit that is helping to solve this problem. Distribute Rubric for "Commons Problem Paper" (see Attachment One) and discuss the task with the class. Share the research findings in a class setting or with the community (as indicated in Experiential Component).
Teacher's Note: Use http://www.policy.com as an excellent site that will help the learners identify a "commons problem." In particular, the Resources: Issues Library will identify these problems. If they type in the keyword, foundation or nonprofit and the type they are looking for, such as abuse, drugs, etc., they should have no problem finding a foundation or nonprofit that is helping to deal with the problem.

Assessment:

"The New Philanthropy-A Hands-On Way of Giving" Unit Quiz (see Attachment Two)

Cross-Curriculum Extensions:

The learner will volunteer time or job shadow for a day in the foundation or nonprofit they have chosen which seems to solve the "commons problem" in which they are interested.

Lesson Developed By:

Libby Brown
Jackson Public Schools
Jackson High School
Jackson, MI 49201

Handouts:

Rubric for "Commons Problem" Paper

In order to receive a 4-point score, the learner must:

Choose a major social issue as a "commons problem" and state why he/she feels that it is a "commons problem."
Give a detailed history of the problem and explain why it is so prevalent at this time.
State what foundation or nonprofit is helping to deal with solving the problem and how they are trying to accomplish this.
Relate if he/she feels that this is a foundation or nonprofit he/she would want to become personally involved with in helping to solve the problem.

In order to receive a 3-point score, the learner must:

Choose a major social issue as a "commons problem" and state why he/she feels it is a "commons problem."
Give a detailed history of the problem and explain why it is so prevalent at this time.
State what foundation or nonprofit is helping to deal with the solving the problem and how they are trying to accomplish this feat.

In order to receive a 2-point score, the learner must:

Choose a major social issue as a "commons problem" and state why he/she feels it is a "commons problem."
Give a detailed history of the problem and explain why it is so prevalent at this time.

In order to receive a 1-point score, the learner must:

Choose a major social issue as a "commons problem" and state why he/she feels it is a "commons problem."

In order to receive a 0, the learner must:

Show no evidence of knowledge of any of the above elements.

New Philanthropy-A Hands-On Way of Giving Unit Quiz

Name: ________________________________

Match the following terms with their definitions.

1. ______Humanitarian	A. Morality or goodness
2. ______Operating Foundation	B. Wealth shared by the whole group
3. ______Perpetuity	C. Endless time or eternity
4. ______Altruism	D. Funds that are kept permanently and invested for continued support of an organization
5. ______Company-Sponsored Foundation	E. Grant funds are derived primarily from contributions of a profit-making business
6. ______Common Good	F. Selfless concern for the welfare of others
7. ______Endowment	G. Person who is concerned for human welfare
8. ______Pro-Social Behavior	H. Giving for the common good
9. ______Philanthropy	I. Serving behavior such as helping, rescuing
10. _____Personal Virtue	J. Primary purpose is to conduct research, social welfare programs, etc.

Please fill in the blanks. 11-16.

Name three famous philanthropic historical figures, and tell how each acted for, and affected

the common good. _______________________, ___________________________, and

__________________________________.

___________________________________________________________________________

17-19. Three volunteer groups that act for the common good are

_________________________, __________________________, and

______________________.

20-22. Three ways in which "new philanthropists" hold people accountable are:

________________________, ___________________, and

__________________________.

23-25. Most philanthropists have similar personal qualities. Name three that we talked about.

__________________________, ___________________________, and

______________________________.

26-31. We discussed several major foundations and gifts they have given. Name three major foundations:

____________________________,_____________________________________, and

____________________________________.

List four major gifts they have given: ________________________________________,

________________________________________________________,

________________________________________________________.

32-37. We read the article on the "new philanthropists." Name three of them and at least one of the causes that each supported.

"New Philanthropist" Name	Cause Supported

38-50. Answer the following in at least three paragraphs. Other than the "commons problem" you researched, what do you think is the major "commons problem" that is affecting the common good today, and why?