Get to the Root
Keywords:
Community Partner
Critical Thinking
Needs Assessment
Nonprofit Organization
Problem Solving
Resources
Service Learning
Social Action
Social/Cultural Issues
In this activity, students use critical thinking to deconstruct an issue they care about. They identify a problem, explore the root causes and effects, and research who the experts are. This is a great way to build community, use creative expression, and come up with different approaches to the next best steps in the service-learning process.
Root of the Problem is a divergent thinking activity that broadens participants' thinking about the elements of a problem and where the experts are. It's also a great opportunity to use respectful language and generous listening as they work together in small groups, honoring all contributions and expanding on one anothers' ideas.
Materials:
- Chart paper and markers for each group
- Internet access to look up resources
Activity:
- Move the students into small groups.
- First, the group decides what problem they want to talk about. A problem describes what is wrong in the community. Examples: "polluted neighborhood park" or "kids come to school without breakfast" or "third graders can't read."
- The students draw a tree on their chart with bare roots and branches.
- By the roots they write several root causes of the problem (no trash cans in the park, people don't respect the natural area, people stay inside).
- By the branches, they write several effects of the problem (kids can't focus on work, they are ill often).
- Inside bee and butterfly outlines, they write expert resources (organizations, websites, people who know about the problem and solutions).
- The groups share their tree brainstorming with the whole class and ask for further ideas and discussion.
Reflection and Next Steps:
Focus on what next best steps we can take right now. This may include the following:
- meet with nonprofits,
- investigate the problem and learn more,
- tell others about the issue or things they can do (be an advocate),
- volunteer,
- change habits, or
- collect resources to help others.
Find Learning to Give lessons related to the identified issues, understanding nonprofits, or advocacy: use search terms related to academic or philanthropy goals, service project ideas, issues, or community resources.
