Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Unit Purpose:
This unit is designed to enhance the learners’ knowledge of philanthropy through stewardship of the environment. They will be introduced to the concept of stewardship and how that relates to taking care of the environment locally Learners will study desert regions around the world by using mapping and research skills to identify those deserts. They will also identify native plant and animal species of deserts. They will explore why it is important to be good stewards of the land both world wide and locally. The learners will demonstrate acts of philanthropy and environmental stewardship by cleaning or beautifying a public or common area around their school or in their community.
Focus question: Is it the civic responsibility of everyone to take care of public lands?
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- identify three major desert regions around the world.
- describe general human and physical characteristics of deserts.
- give examples of animals and vegetation particular to deserts.
- identify how the people that live in desert regions conserve water and other resources.
- describe how working to take care of the land is an act of philanthropy.
- identify the characteristics of each of the four zones of the Earth: Subtropical Deserts; Cool Coastal Deserts; Cold Winter Deserts; Polar Deserts.
- label a map with the name of at least one desert on each continent.
- explore ways to conserve water particularly in desert cities.
- develop an understanding of the words philanthropy and stewardship.
- create and carry out a plan for protecting an area of the school or community.
- reflect on the project after the completion of the service learning activity.
- articulate what it means to be good stewards of the land.
Service Experience:
The Service Learning project for this unit will involve developing and implementing a plan for cleaning or beautifying an area of the school or community. Learners will develop a deeper understanding of how volunteering for a service is practicing philanthropy and stewardship for the common good, while they donate their time and talent to clean the area.
Unit Assessment:
Learners will be assessed on their mapping skills for accuracy and information; their Plan for Improving a Public Area and working together cooperatively. The teacher will subjectively evaluate all learners throughout the unit. The final assessment will include the students’ self reflection on the project including how they felt they performed during the activity and how they felt about cleaning the area.
School/Home Connection:
- “Copy-and-Paste” Class/School Newsletter Information Insert:
Our learners are studying deserts around the world and why it’s important to take care of the land and it’s resources. The purpose of the unit is to help them understand that stewardship and conservation are the responsibility of everyone. - Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
Learners will take the maps that were created in class home to share with family members. They will also ask family members if they have visited or lived in a desert region. If so the learner will add the desert to the map and discuss the experience with the family members.
Notes for Teaching:
If you are cleaning or beautifying a public area off school property, you will need to get permission from school officials to leave the school area and parents/guardians for the learners to leave the school area. The project should also be coordinated with community officials.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed By:
Clare Friend
Curriculum Consultant
Learning to Give
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