The goal of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about Alfred Nobel and his legacy for the common good. Concepts such as altruism, perpetuity, common good and intent will be examined. Students will then engage in researching a Nobel Peace Prize recipient to learn why the individual or organization was chosen. On a personal level, students will examine family, school and local community individuals or organizations and identify qualities they share which positively impact the common good and leave a legacy. In addition, students will learn about the role of a community foundation. Finally, students will create a certificate and award to show appreciation for selected nominees and plan a celebration to recognize them.

Students will learn about the life and legacy of Alfred Nobel as well as recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. They will analyze how the choices made by Nobel Peace Prize recipients led to improvement in the common good. In addition, learners will apply lessons learned to the context of their own lives. Finally, they will have an authentic opportunity to recognize and celebrate contributions which have positively impacted the common good.

The learner will:

• list defining characteristics and actions of Alfred Nobel.

• evaluate the purpose and criteria for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize.

• explain how the common good benefits from philanthropy.

• describe the work of various winners of the Noble Peace Prize.

• analyze how choices made by the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize improved the common good.

• recognize values that best reflect the good of the community.

• explain the structure and function of the local community foundation.

• explain the role of altruism in individuals who champion causes which add to the fabric of the community.

• identify individual philanthropists and non-profit groups within the community and describe how their work aids the common good.

• use proper form to write and send invitations to a celebration.

• evaluate the worth of community volunteers and organizations.

The academic service-learning component of this unit is inspired by Alfred Nobel’s generosity and the perpetuity of his fortune. Students will identify individuals and/or groups within the family, school or local community who have positively impacted the common good. In response, students will plan and carry out a celebration to recognize these selected individuals/organizations and the causes for which they are passionate.

This unit includes several assessment formats. In Lesson One: Was Nobel Noble? Meet the Man, assessment will take the form of group discussion as well as creation of a personal banner. In Lesson Two: Projecting the Image−What Can One Person Do? students engage in research and presentations with a rubric to evaluate their work. In Lesson Three: A Design of Our Own, writing, a pencil/paper assessment, and another artistic creation will be the forms of assessment. Finally, in Lesson Four: A Breakfast for Champions, students will write an essay as a reflection of their learning.

• “Copy-and-Paste” Class/School Newsletter Information Insert:
  We are learning about Alfred Nobel and the powerful impact of his legacy found in the Nobel Peace Prize. Our students will have the opportunity to identify actions and qualities they would like to leave as a legacy. In addition, they will engage in academic service learning to plan a celebration for recognition of others who have made contributions for the common good as well.
  

• Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
  School/home connections can be found throughout this unit. In Lesson One: Was Nobel Noble? Meet the Man, students are encouraged to follow up the lesson with a point of discussion. In Lesson Two: Projecting the Image−What Can One Person Do? students will find information about individuals, schools and non-profit organizations that have made an impact toward peace and the common good in their own community. In Lesson Three: A Design of Our Own, students are given two options for interaction with family described in detail. In Lesson Four: A Breakfast for Champions, students will seek the assistance of family in conducting the celebration breakfast.

As provision for the service-learning component of this unit, funds to carry out the celebration will be necessary. In order to remain connected to unit concepts learned in Lesson Three, it is suggested that the teacher solicit funds from the local community foundation. However, funds may be obtained from another source such as parents, school sources or other local resources.