Students identify causes they care about and related nonprofits or community resources. They use writing as a tool to make a difference, using persuasive writing techniques.
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Unit: Writers as Activists
Unit: Philanthropy and Children Who Are Homeless
Students examine the intent and reality of the orphan train and discuss whether it was an effective solution to child homelessness. They write and speak about the traits of someone who takes action for others and civil society.
Unit: It's Goin' Down; The Rain Forest
This is an introduction to the differences and similarities between temperate and tropical rainforests. The group discusses patterns in where rainforests are located, and they begin to research characteristics and gain awareness of their biodiversity.
Unit: George H.W. Bush and Points of Light
Students explore the legacy of George H. W. Bush and how he has contributed to the common good as part of his lifelong commitment to service and through his Points of Light initiative. The students work in small groups to answer questions and present to the class for discussion. Each student...
Unit: Advise and Consent
Even the person viewed as the most powerful person in the world does not have unlimited power. Constitutionally, the president of the United States is limited by the "advise and consent" rule (and other checks and balances). The learners look at the importance...
Unit: Telling Our Stories of Giving
Students learn effective techniques and complete prewriting activities for writing a persuasive essay. As a culmination of the unit, students choose one of the three styles of writing--news article, personal narrative, or persuasive essay--to write, edit, and publish about their experience with...
Unit:
The classroom is matched up with another classroom (or any group of people) in the country or the world. The students communicate by letter or e-mail and compare characteristics of place such as methods of transportation, weather, resources, and culture. Students will eventually work with their...
Unit: Mighty Pens: Writers for Positive Change
This lesson guides learners as they inform a public audience about philanthropic acts that enhance the common good. The learners write newspaper articles that describe acts of service and volunteerism in their community.
Unit: Growing an Environmental Steward
Young people explore the impact of their own actions on their environment and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be an environmental steward.
Unit: Nonprofits in Our Community
In this activity, participants explore the work of several nonprofit organizations. They contact a local nonprofit organization to learn more about their organization, what they do, and how young people can help.