Service Learning Project

Service Learning Project
“Making an Impact on your Population”
Area of service: Civic Responsibility
Grades 6-8
Subject Area: Civics/Government
SS.7.C.2.3: Experience the responsibilities of citizens at the local, state, or federal levels.
SS.7.C.2.13: Examine multiple perspectives on public and current issues.
SS.7.C.2.14: Conduct a service project to further the public good.
NETS addressed:
1.
Creativity and Innovation
2.
Communication and Collaboration
3.
Research and Information Fluency
4.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
5.
Digital Citizenship
6.
Technology Operations and Concepts

Unit Description:
This service unit is designed to show students how they can impact their government and society in ways other than electing officials. The unit will begin with a short lesson on how individuals in our government can spark legislation by writing to congressmen, creating a petition, or rallying others to your cause by instigating awareness. Students will then individually brainstorm for ideas on what issues they would like to resolve or contribute to in society. These will be student generated topics, but students can use news feeds, such as Google News to find out more about issues of national concern. Possible topics include Abortion, Gay Marriage, Marijuana Laws, Euthanasia, or the war in Iraq. Once students pick a topic, they may decide to work in groups with students who pick similar topics. Students will then engage in research to learn more about their chosen topic in order to strengthen their arguments and make sure they thoroughly understand the issue. Then students will create a podcast, or video presentation that presents the issue as a public service announcement, meant to inform and persuade the general public that their chosen issue is the most important and that their stance on the issue is the correct one. Students will also be asked to create wiki’s for each individual topic, which will serve as a platform to engage other citizens who wish to contribute to their cause. As part of the wiki, students will start a petition to be signed by anyone who is interested in joining their cause. As a final part of the project, each individual student will be asked to draft a letter to any congressperson or political figure they wish, advocating for their stance on their particular issue. The wiki page, PSA, and letter must contain evidence that explains the particular issue and why the student has chosen to take a particular stance. This project will raise awareness of current controversial issues, as well as the ways in which students can impact how those issues are played out in our society.
Technologies:
· Students will use news feeds such as Google News to help pick a topic and understand the controversy surrounding it.
· Students will use search engines such as Google, Ask.com, or Bing to search for evidence and current debate surrounding their chose issue. Cites such as Wikipedia, blogs, and special interest groups websites will also be beneficial to contributing to student background knowledge, however students must exercise caution and be wary of bias.
· Wiki creation cites such as Wikispaces will be used to create and host the class wikis.
· Programs such as GarageBand and a microphone can be used to create podcasts, which can be uploaded on the wiki relating to the subject.
· A video camera and any number of media editing programs, such as MovieMaker can be used to create the video PSA, which will then be posted to the appropriate wiki.
· Students can also use social networking tools, such as facebook, myspace, or twitter to alert people about their petition and ask them to join their cause.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed based on the level of understanding of their particular issue and their presentation of their stance on the issue. Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of all sides of their issue through their wiki, PSA, and letter. Students will also be evaluated on how well they present their argument and how well they encourage outside involvement. Students will also be asked to write a one-paragraph response to the following questions: Have you corrected any previous misconceptions about your topic that you previously held? How do you think your involvement in these issues has impacted society and do you think you have made a difference? What is something you could do to take this project one step further? These questions will serve to evaluate not only the students, but also the project, in order to make revisions for future classes.