A comparison is established in Lesson One: How Does My Government Grow? between the well being of living things and our democracy. Learners will describe the importance of Core Democratic Values in a democratic government and analyze the way they support philanthropy. The learner then investigates science concepts regarding plant life as the comparison continues to be further developed. Learners also learn about the many influencing factors when deciding how to use private and public land. During the academic service component, learners will have the opportunity to provide direct service as they plant and/or maintain flowers. Learners are empowered with many choices as they are engaged in many hands-on activities and group interaction which emphasize critical thinking and substantive conversation throughout the unit.

The learner will:

• identify and define the eight Core Democratic Values.
• describe how Core Democratic Values affect their life in the United States.
• define philanthropy and identify how Core Democratic Values relate to it.
• evaluate why flowering plants are important to our world.
• identify selected parts of a flowering plant and explain the function of each.
• describe the life cycle of a flowering plant.
• compare the function of parts of a flowering plant to the essential role of individuals in a democracy.
• explain that plants need water, soil and light in order to make the food energy necessary to grow and thrive.
• use the scientific method in experimenting with controlled variables.
• compare factors necessary for plants to thrive with core democratic values that are necessary for democracy to flourish.
• create a visual design of private property land use.
• list positive and negative effects of human land-use decisions.
• describe how positive land-use decisions contribute to the common good.
• explain that "commons" areas are designated for public use as a result of local government decisions.
• analyze what responsibility citizens have for the use of "commons" areas.
• read various maps to determine land use practices in a community.
• distinguish between uses of public and private land through the use of a Venn diagram.
• use oral or written speech to persuade government officials to allow alteration of a commons area.

Learning will be assessed through completion of a Core Democratic Values booklet, journal entries, flower/government similes, a data collection sheet, participation in a land-use scenario game and written letters/persuasive speeches.