In this unit students synthesize what they have learned about communities throughout the year by exploring the role of citizens in a community and how people work together to solve public issues. The unit begins with an exploration of the qualities of a good citizen using the book Good Citizen Sarah. Students then examine ways citizens work together in a community to solve problems through the book The Giant Jam Sandwich. The term ‘public issue’ is introduced as the class explores the idea that often people disagree about how to solve a community problem or issue. Using a decision making model, students are given a case study about a garage sale controversy in a mythical town. Students work in small groups to generate possible solutions to the garage sale problem and use the decision making model to evaluate these solutions. Given a local community issue, students are asked to generate solutions and take a position on a solution. In a final lesson that can be used at any appropriate time during the year, students participate in a project to improve their community.
Stage One - Desired Results
How can a citizen affect a community?
citizencitizen involvementcivic responsibilitydecision-makingpublic issues
AnalyzingCause and EffectProblem Solving
Stage Two - Assessment Evidence
Stage Three - Learning Plan