Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement

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Feel The Wonder

Lesson 3:

From Unit Save a Drop For Me

Lesson

Handouts

Academic Standards

Philanthropy Framework

6th-8th Grade

Subjects:

Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Science

Key Words/Concepts click to view

PHIL:	1 genOn; Environmental Stewardship; LEAGUE Wildcard Lesson: Environment; Reflection; Service Project
SCI:	Data Collection/Organization; Water
SOC:	4 genOn

Purpose:

Learners will analyze what it takes to participate in a volunteer experience that benefits the community, select a project, participate in it, reflect on the experience and assess its benefits both for themselves and for the common good.

Duration:

Two 45 Minute Class Periods

Objectives:

The learner will:

describe the importance of clean water and the efforts of volunteers and the whole community in effecting water quality.

explain local efforts to keep water clean and available to the community.

analyze the attributes of those who volunteer to improve the common good and explain why they are necessary.

participate in a clean water restoration effort and reflect on the experience as a benefit for the common good.

Service Experience:

Although this lesson contains a service project example, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

Learners will participate in a clean water restoration project (water testing or another selected experience).

Materials:

Schedule of water restoration activities in local community (Check with your local water department official or city manager.)
Water testing kits (obtained from the local water company or a water testing company)

Pre Volunteer Questionnaire (see Attachment One)

Post Volunteer Response Questionnaire (see Attachment Two)

Handout 1: Pre Volunteer Questionnaire
Handout 2: Post Volunteer Experience Questionnaire

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set:

Say, "We have been studying the effect careless treatment of water has on our water supply. What are some of the things you learned that affect how you think of water? If given an opportunity to help out, what are some of the activities you think would be available for you to do? Record responses from students on chart paper.

Reiterate the definition/meaning of philanthropy (caring, sharing, and volunteering). Explain that many people care about our water supply and are concerned about restoring the watersheds. We all share this natural resource. Without the help volunteers give to conserve this precious resource, many things, such as drinking water, bathing, swimming, fishing, boating, cooking, etc., would be quite difficult.

Present a list on chart paper of one or more local water projects which welcome the assistance of students. Explain that participation is voluntary and must have parental permission.

Ask the learners to discuss the attributes necessary for someone to help their community as a volunteer (cooperation, thoughtfulness, energy, willingness to give of their time or talent, willingness to follow directions, courtesy to others, concern for others, accuracy, etc.) Have learners describe scenarios that could happen if a volunteer does not take the responsibility seriously.

Distribute Pre Volunteer Questionnaire (Attachment One). Go over it together and allow sufficient time for its completion. Collect the questionnaires.

If the volunteer experience will include water testing, take out a water testing kit and demonstrate proper usage.

After the volunteer experience, distribute Post Volunteer Response Questionnaire (Attachment Two). Go over it together and allow sufficient time for its completion. Collect the questionnaires.

As a wrap up to the unit, pair the learners and have each partner begin a sharing of information and thoughts about water, its importance and their role in helping to keep water clean and available in the community. Let each person share one good practice they will try to incorporate into their lives regarding the use of water. Ask the learners to share their commitment to clean water with their families.

Assessment:

The shared student self evaluations/reflections may be used as a form of assessment.

School/Home Connection:

Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
The learners will share their commitment to clean water with their families.

Lesson Developed By:

Ramona Purdy
Detroit Public Schools
Van Zile Elementary School
Detroit, MI 48234

Handouts:

Handout 1Print Handout 1

Pre Volunteer Questionnaire

Name

Directions: Write your responses to the following questions.

Have you ever volunteered before? ______________________________________________
If yes, what did you do? ______________________________________________________
Would you like to volunteer to help out in your community? ____________________________
Which volunteer activities interest you?
_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
How many hours are you willing to volunteer? _____________________________________
Do you feel as if you will be providing an important service to your community? Why?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
How do you think you will feel after you volunteer? Why?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Handout 2Print Handout 2

Post Volunteer Experience Questionnaire

Name _________________________________________

Directions: Think about your experience as a volunteer. Reflect about how you felt. Write your responses to the questions.

Where did you volunteer? (Include location and name of organization.)

___________________________________________________________________________________
What was the purpose of the activity?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
What was your responsibility?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
What did you and the other volunteers accomplish?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
What did you learn?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
How did you feel after this experience?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
Would others benefit from an experience similar to this one? Why or why not?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
If you could change one thing about this experience, what would it be and why?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
What would you like another volunteer to know before volunteering?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
Would you volunteer again? If so, what kind of activity?

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________