How Can I Help Change the World?

Summary

Each student has the capability of protecting basic human rights through service and individual actions. This lesson gives students ideas in which they can make a difference in the world.

Materials

• Copy of the Book It's Our World, Too! by Phillip Hoose for each student (if available)
• Copies of printouts from the attached website
• paper and pencil for students

Background for Teachers

Students can make a difference in the world if they have the right support and resources.

Student Prior Knowledge

Pre-assessment:
Ask the students to mention some of the pressing issues in the world and make a list on the board. Ask students how they can make a difference in finding a solution for these problems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will propose steps individual students can take to protect these rights.

Instructional Procedures

1. Divide students into groups and give each a copy of the following topics: Ending poverty, saving the environment, ending world hunger, helping animals, working for world peace, (and others if you want to use them).
2. Have them read the text (pages printed from the Kids Can website) and discuss it as a group. Ask them to answer the questions: Why is this issue important? How can you help to solve this issue?
3. Have each group present their ideas to the class and answer the questions as they present.
4. Have students individually create a list of ideas of what they can do to help solve global issues.

Extensions

Assign a service learning project where students have to serve in the community and make a difference in their world.

Assessment Plan

List of proposed ideas to help solve global issues

Bibliography

• http://www.engineeryourlife.org/?gclid=CJy6ye_XqJsCFQ6jagode0AHCA
• http://www.earthskids.com/change.aspx