Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE
The LEAGUE
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Unit Overview:
Learners will gain an understanding of philanthropy, its connections and roots in American history, and its role in the work of modern non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world.
Unit Purpose:
Learners will understand how past contributions of American scientists have contributed to improving society. Learners will develop an understanding of the importance of participating in active citizenship and making contributions to society. The role of for profit and non-profit organizations, especially non-governmental organizations, in improving the common good will be researched.
How can youth make a difference in their country today?
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- identify various ways Benjamin Franklin contributed to society.
- describe how Benjamin Franklin’s achievements were examples of Core Democratic Values, active citizenship and philanthropy.
- research and analyze philanthropic organizations which contribute to the community.
- identify and use key philanthropic terms.
- describe recent medical or scientific/technological breakthroughs and identify funding that made them possible.
- distinguish between the sectors of the economy and analyze how they contributed to medical breakthroughs.
- construct and interpret timelines of medical and scientific breakthroughs.
- use biographies to understand how Americans contributed to the field of science and the common good.
- describe the purpose and characteristics of obituaries as historical data.
- list examples of the philanthropy of Benjamin Franklin and explain why Franklin helped define "good citizenship."
- define and identify non-governmental organizations (NGO) and analyze why they are needed.
- describe how society benefits from the work of NGOs.
Service Experience:
- The learner will analyze nonprofit organizations and choose one philanthropic endeavor to which they will send a $1 contribution.
- After researching the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), learners will conduct a fund-raiser to support an NGO.
Unit Assessment:
Learning will be evaluated by a research assignment, homework essay, historical obituary and journal reflections.
School/Home Connection:
Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
Learners will take a self-designed dollar bill home and present their cause about a local nonprofit organization to a parent/guardian. The learner’s goal will be to convince the parent/guardian to contribute a dollar to this cause. The learner will bring this dollar to school and the class will mail it to the organization selected.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed and Piloted By:
Jennifer Higgins
Honey Creek Community School
High Point School
1735 S. Wagner Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Mary Beth McMahon
Forest Hills Public Schools
Northern Hills Middle School
3775 Leonard, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Nan Schichtel
Grand Valley State University
DeVos Center
401 W. Fulton St.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Pete Emmerson
Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids
Blessed Sacrament School
2233 Diamond Ave., NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
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