In a kid-friendly approach, we look at the components of the U.S. Constitution and put early government-forming events in a context. We distinguish the roles of the three branches of government, especially the structure and responsibilities of our judicial system.
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Unit: We the Kids - The Three Branches and Me
Unit: Philanthropy—Essential to a Democratic Society
Learners recognize the value of nonprofit organizations and identify how nonprofits meet citizen needs when government can't.
Unit: Advise and Consent
Now familiar with how a community foundation serves the community, the learners form a Youth Advisory Committee and use parliamentary procedure to conduct business.
Unit: Courage of the Heart
Participants learn about the scientific contributions of African American inventors and scientists today and in the past.
Unit: Tote Challenge
Young people investigate the problems caused by plastic shopping bags, then propose solutions to address the problems. This lesson prompts teams to design a reusable shopping tote out of an old T-shirt using engineering, problem-solving, creativity, and communication. They take action...
Unit: Encouraging Community Engagement
Young people learn about the variety of ways citizens can become active participants in the community: political parties, interest groups, voting, and providing public service.
Unit: Black History IS American History
We are made by history. In this activity, youth read the stories of philanthropic African Americans and influential related events that made America what it is today. Then they create a virtual Pop-Up Museum as an advocacy service project in which they tell stories of Black history and philanthropy.
Unit: Healthy Youth, Healthy Community (6-8)
Students analyze survey results, choose a community health need, and design a service project to address it.
Unit: Healthy Youth, Healthy Community (9-12)
Students research the practices of healthy exercise. They identify a topic related to good nutrition and personal health and write 3-5 facts to share with the class. They identify nonprofits that work to address related health needs and contact them by phone to ask questions.
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Unit: Lunchroom Recycling Plan
Students organize and implement a school-based recycling plan based on a one-day lunchroom waste audit.
Adapt this one-period lesson plan and follow it with a simple and powerful service project for Earth Day. The reflection...