Who helps our community run smoothly? Read a short passage about community members and helpers. After kids finish the passage, they answer five short questions on the other side of the page.

Everyone has the power to change their own lives. Young historians learn how they can become agents for change in their own lives and the community. The lesson focuses on positive role models and what motivates individuals to promote...

Students explore the term philanthropy and recognize it in everyday situations. They list three philanthropic activities occurring in their own home, in their classroom, or in their school. Students identify at least one act they might...

Learn about defensible space and renewable resources with a lesson about forest fires. After exploring the ways that humans have impacted the environment, kids conduct mock interviews about differing points of view in the conservation...

Discuss as a class some problems that you would like to see changed in your school or community, and then take action! After your young citizens determine the appropriate steps they should take to accomplish their objectives, they will...

Learners discuss issues of concern to their communities and explore the variety of avenues available for concerned community members to address these issues and effect change.

As Ken Jennings said, "There's just something hypnotic about maps." Certainly, the longer you look at them the more you can learn. In this project-based learning lesson plan, individuals study both historic and present-day maps...

Students define philanthropy. In this community lesson, students read A River Ran Wild and discuss the needs in the communities presented. Students discuss aspects of philanthropy in a community and brainstorm elements of a healthy...

Foster contributing members of society with a social studies unit focused on five aspects of community. First graders discuss themes of culture, groups, location, scarcity, and change with discussion questions and activities about...

Ninth graders explore how change and growth affect communities.  In this community awareness lesson, 9th graders interview a senior adult. Students research economics and trends in their community.

Students understand the differences in communities by reading "City Mouse, Country Mouse" by Isabelle Chantellard. In this types of communities lesson, students find that although communities are different, one is not better than the...

Students explore charitable organizations. In this character development lesson, students read about children who have contributed to charitable organizations, research a variety of these organizations, plan a project, and prepare a...

Students discover the functions of nonprofit organizations. In this service learning lesson, students brainstorm questions for use in an interview with a nonprofit representative.

Students design tiles that represent their community. They discuss ideas with another class through email. They then create the tiles, fire them, and attach them to a masonite board to create a community mural.

America has always been seen as a melting pot to the world. Scholars research the concept of blending cultures in the United States and how it is changing over time. The final lesson of a four-part series analyzes the changing...

Students research the history of the ethnic diversity of Ohio when exploring the changes in the community. They analyze the history of Native Americans in the region as well. The role of school is analyzed as well within this lesson.

How can both individuals and governments respond to climate change and take responsibility to reduce its effects on our environment? Here you will find three lessons filled with discussion, debate, and role-playing...

The film American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs introduces viewers to the differing philosophies of and strategies employed by 1960s civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. and the debate over...

Students investigate how communities grow and change. In this communities instructional activity, students discuss how their community has changed and construct a model of a community.

Learners use community problem solving to solve a littering problem in the community of San Carlos. Students use a Role Play Description to learn this process.

Student team together to tell the story of the U.S.'s rapid population growth. Learners research census changes, focusing on changes in the size of the community and the school. Students tell the story by writing articles and presenting...

An interesting resource addresses the role of youth in civic participation and community events. It also explains the role of the justice system in creating boundaries and how citizens play a part in the judicial process.  Pupils...

Gain an understanding of the complex topic of immigration with a collection of resources. Class members engage in a series of activities designed to give them insight into the factors that influence immigration policies and the effects...

Second graders read about and discuss natural features of communities. They listen to a guest speaker, such as a park ranger to expand their knowledge of natural features. They go on a field trip, if possible, to a local zoo or...