Surviving the Depression

Unit of 2 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
9
10
11
12
Subjects: 
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Issue Area: 
Civil society
Focus Question 

 What can we learn from people in history about private action for the common good? 

 

Photo Credit:  The Causes of The Great Depression / FDR Memorial Site by Tony Fischer is licensed under CC by 2.0

Unit Overview 

Using primary sources, participants learn about life and economics during the Great Depression and how philanthropy contributed to bringing the country out of this dark period.

Service Experience 
Reflecting on the missions of the foundations researched, youth identify what issue they are passionate about. They contact a local nonprofit that addresses that issue to ask about their needs and how they can help. 
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
Surviving the Depression
Lesson 2 of 2
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Participants discuss and analyze the solutions implemented by President Roosevelt during the Great Depression. The role that philanthropy played in helping to end the Great Depression will be central to the discussion.