This lesson clarifies that true rights are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Participants discuss the importance of protecting these rights, and if and when it is ever appropriate to limit rights. We learn that one role of nonprofits is to preserve and promote guaranteed rights.
Practice making a decision using principles of majority rule and minority rights.
Using the inspiration of Amanda Gorman’s poem “Earthrise,” participants consider what it means to act in ways that honor the Earth. Individuals identify and publicly commit to take action that works to help humans and nature flourish together.
Literature and primary documents help youth understand the role of the Constitution for the United States. They overview the three branches of government described in the first three articles and learn that government officials are serving with their time and talent for the common good. With the...
Three amendments to the Constitution extended voting rights to more citizens. Look at the language of these amendments and the effectiveness of everyone actually getting the vote. Youth discuss the purpose of voting, and they take action to make a difference, such as by making ...
As a group we define good citizenship, including the classic Roman concept of civic virtue (putting the common good above individual need).
The learners analyze examples from history of civic virtue and then select the characteristics they believe are most important for enduring citizen engagement.
Groups analyze and define the concept of community. They identify the benefits and sacrifices involved in actions for the common good in their role as citizens.
In this lesson, students define serial reciprocity as "paying it forward." They compare the concept of paying it forward (serial reciprocity) with the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They brainstorm issues and campaigns they can address to make an impact that ripples forward as a result of...
This lesson explores the components of healthy living: eating healthy foods and exercise. Children identify their favorite healthy foods and forms of exercise that help them live a healthy life. Focus question: What foods and activity choices are important for healthy living?