Children reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream and how he used his words. They reflect on their own dreams for a better community.

A picture book biography tells the story of the life and philanthropy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Learners explore that government and non-profit organizations together help bring about breakthroughs in modern science and medicine. These contributions to the common good require the support of philanthropists, large and small.

Learners explore the contributions and recommendations of Benjamin Franklin as a person who engaged in active citizenship.

Young people explore what it means to be an environmentalist. They work in small groups to research the facts and possible solultions related to an environmental issue. The ultimate goal of the unit is to empower young people to share their knowledge (talent) and make others aware of environmental issues for the common good.

Young people perform their puppet plays in order to teach others about environmental issues. They reflect on this project by writing an answer to some essential questions of the unit: What does it mean to be a philanthropist? What does it mean to be an environmentalist?

In this lesson, young people create story scripts from the research and facts collected in Lesson One: Digging Up the Facts. The scripts include setting, one character per child, problem, solution, and a beginning, middle and end. Young people edit and revise their scripts.

Through a story in which a child inspires her neighborhood to improve a vacant lot, young people recognize that they can have a positive impact on others. They brainstorm a philanthropic project to benefit the school or larger community.

Through discussion of the book The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss, we learn about tolerance and the value of diversity in community. 

This lesson emphasizes the importance of respecting others and their opinions. Activities explore aspects of friendship and compromise.