Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE
The LEAGUE
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Unit Overview:
The lessons that comprise this unit were designed to give students an opportunity to draw from their prior knowledge as well as new experiences to develop a deeper understanding of the concept of philanthropy. Learners will first take a pre-test on key concepts addressing philanthropy and civil society. Through research, they will build on this knowledge and will construct a presentation to teach the class one of the major concepts addressed. Learners will then engage in a variety of research methods to create both oral and visual presentations outlining the life and work of a chosen philanthropist from history. After the initial lesson on key terms the learner will give examples of philanthropists (from history and present day) that help define their assigned concept. Using the information they have researched, students write a letter as the philanthropist they have researched, addressed to a student of today. The learners then give an oral report to their classmates on the lives they have researched, and create a visual display featuring the presentation of the highlights of the philanthropist’s life and work and their letter. Students will read four writings from people in American history vital in creating a free democratic society. Each student will be a member of a group charged with facilitating the class discussion of these readings. The unit concludes with a post-test over the same terms-concepts from the pre-test.
Unit Purpose:
The purpose of the unit is to have students understand, through reading, research and discussion, the importance of the philanthropic tradition in the growth of democracy and civil society.
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- assess the previous knowledge of key terms in philanthropy and civil society.
- explore and increase knowledge through readings.
- research, categorize and construct a presentation.
- identify key individuals and events in American history that exemplify the concepts.
- access information on a philanthropist, using a variety of print and electronic sources.
- organize research into a presentation.
- discuss the life of key philanthropist in American history.
- summarize the life and work of a previously researched philanthropist in the form of a letter s/he writes in the role of that philanthropist.
- compare and contrast the work of the philanthropist with the philanthropic work in which s/he is (or plans to be) involved.
- summarize historic essays on the American philanthropic tradition.
- prepare an introduction to one essay.
- discuss assigned readings.
- determine how American philanthropists contributed in building and sustaining a democratic society.
Unit Assessment:
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Students in addition will be assessed on their oral and visual presentations, ability to lead discussion and present the highlights of their assigned philanthropists and readings.
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Students will take a multiple-choice test constructed from the submissions from the discussion group planning.
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Students will take a multiple-choice quiz created by their peers.
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Unit Post-Test: - Students will redefine the key terms in the “post test” space provided.
School/Home Connection:
Lesson Three: Readings on Civil Society/Civic Value
Notes for Teaching:
This unit was created as a part of a collaborative initiative on promoting youth philanthropy education through a global network between the United States and Japan. This unit is part of the “Yui” Project (developing global citizenship and creating common ties that bind) in which the Japanese and U.S. students share information about the history and tradition of philanthropy in their respective countries.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed and Piloted By:
Dennis Thomas
n/a
Cathedral High School
5225 E. 65th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46226
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