Students explore what it means to be responsible citizens and identify ways they are (or can be) responsible at home, in school, and in the community. They create a survey related to people's perceptions of community health and poll members of the community to identify needs.
The youth reflect on basic needs that may be difficult to meet when one doesn’t have a home. They take action by creating personal hygiene kits or asking a local nonprofit how they can help support their efforts to assist people who are homeless.
This lesson provides an example of a politician known for his honesty. The learners identify why they depend on politicians to be honest, and discuss why it is difficult for politicians to be honest.
Discuss and evaluate personal beliefs and attitudes about the treatment of animals, especially applied to sports and entertainment. We explore how laws and beliefs concerning animal welfare affect personal responses to animal treatment.
The learners identify a common area where trash accumulates and plan a clean-up project.
Youth make a chart of how they typically spend a free day and then envision what that same free day would look like when it is infused with philanthropy. They plan a free day, substituting their usual routine with activities that serve the community. They discuss the benefits and opportunity costs involved in sacrificing personal time for the common good of their community.
Youth learn about the work of African American inventors who had a positive influence on society by contributing scientific innovation for the common good.
Learners explore the contributions and recommendations of Benjamin Franklin as a person who engaged in active citizenship.
We learn about the ancient Aztec culture in Mexico.
From books and research, young people read about the Aztec Empire practice of human sacrifice, which was seen as a gift to help the community. Discuss the concept of sacrifice for the common good and debate individual rights and community responsibility when taking action for the common good.