Students define community and recognize that a class or after-school group is a community because the members share interests and goals and work together. Focus Questions: What is a community and what is my role? What is health and why is it important?
The participants will distinguish the difference between wants and needs and learn that many times refugees are without basic needs. They respond to a story about a refugee camp, “Four Feet, Two Sandals” and come to a consensus on a service project to benefit refugees or others in need, and plan and implement a youth-driven service project.
The youth take action by determining ways to reduce their own use of plastic bags and by advocating for ways to reduce the use of plastic bags in their own households, the community, state and nation. To take further action, they may propose ways to influence government officials to change laws so plastic bags are banned, taxed, or not given out for free.
Children learn about the issues of plastic in the ocean. They learn the effects of plastic garbage on the environment, including the lives of animals.
Children participate in a trash clean-up and analyze the issue of pollution caused by trash, especially plastics. They discuss who should be responsible for preventing or cleaning up pollution - government, business, charitable organizations, and/or individuals.
Children hear a true story about a woman who performs a brave act related to education for the common good. They identify the benefit shared by the whole community. They define philanthropy and common good.
Through discussion and a game, children identify the value of education to individuals and the community.
Participants learn what it is like to be a refugee through pictures, video, and stories. They build empathy and do an activity that simulates choices refugees must make.
Children listen to and respond to stories about the value of a home and the difficulties of not having a home. They make painted rocks or other comfort items and give them to a friend or donate them to a local shelter.
A read aloud story demonstrates caring and philanthropy related to environmental stewardship and animal welfare.