Through an introductory pre-test, the learners will establish their prior knowledge of key terms and concepts important to creating and sustaining a democratic society.  The learners then will expand this knowledge and understanding through guided reading and presentations.

Motivated by the song "This Land is Your Land," learners locate areas on a U.S. map and discuss the definitions of community, philanthropy, and volunteer. They picture themselves as volunteers, helping others.

Students will reflect upon how philanthropy shapes self-identity.

The purpose of this lesson is to have the students create a map showing the route from their school to the soup kitchen that they visited.  They will share the map and describe their experiences at the soup kitchen with their caregivers and/or classmates.

To create an awareness of the businesses within a community and their purposes.

Learners explore individual and collective responsibility for maintaining the health of the Great Lakes Basin or local water resources.

To have students identify the things that are important in their lives as a means of finding a “passion” or “passions” the class holds in common. Students will then identify causes that deal with an issue related to their shared passion. This will guide the teacher in selecting and promoting...

This lesson is designed to help students develop a better understanding that a community is group of people working together for a common. Many people in a community need help and one of the places that they can get help is called a...

Students will develop a collaborative definition of "community" and realize the unique attributes of our community.