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Where Would We Be?

Lesson 4:

From Unit Make the Connection! Core Democratic Values and Philanthropy

Lesson

Handouts

Academic Standards

Philanthropy Framework

6th-8th Grade

Subjects:

Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

PHIL:	Nonprofit Sector
SOC:	Core Democratic Values; LEAGUE Optional Lesson: Earth Day; LEAGUE Optional Lesson: King Day; LEAGUE Optional Lesson: One Day; LEAGUE Optional Lesson: The Drive; LEAGUE Wildcard Lesson: Art From The Heart

Purpose:

The purpose of this lesson is to have students examine the importance of the philanthropic sector in upholding fundamental values. Students will draw conclusions by examining what our society would be like if the philanthropic sector were suddenly gone.

Duration:

One Sixty-Minute Class Period

Objectives:

The learner will:

explain the value of selected philanthropic organizations to our society.
chart life in a society with and without philanthropic organizations.

Materials:

VCR
Short clip from a recommended movie (see suggestions under the Anticipatory Set of Instructional Procedures)
Chart paper or poster board
Posters from Lesson Three: Philanthropy and the CDVs
Scoring Guide for Reflection/Position Writing (Attachment One)

Handout 1: Scoring Guide for Reflection/Position Writing

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set:
Begin class by showing a video clip from a movie that illustrates the absence of Core Democratic Values. Some suggested titles could be: "Schindler's List," "The Matrix," "Water World," "Dances with Wolves," "Star Wars," "To Kill A Mockingbird," "Aladdin" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." (Note: These titles are examples and are not intended to be inclusive. Teachers should feel free to use any film that will serve the purpose for this lesson.)

Discuss the movie clip with the students. Ask them to identify the Core Democratic Value that is being violated or is absent in the movie clip.

Have students look at the posters they created in the previous lesson. Ask the question: "If your organization did not exist, how would the Core Democratic Values be met? Would they be met at all?" Discuss. Using the list of Core Democratic Values that was compiled in Lesson Three: Philanthropy and the CDVs, ask the class to determine what the effects would be if all of the philanthropic groups ceased to exist.

As a class, create a T-graph that illustrates American society with and without the philanthropic sector. The information should reflect the absence or reduction of the Core Democratic Values.

Students should write a reflection on the importance of the third sector in upholding and perpetuating the Core Democratic Values in American society. Students will be expected to cite three to five examples for illustration.

Ask students to brainstorm a list of questions to use in an interview with parents/guardians or other family members. (See School/Home Connection.)

Assessment:

Students will be assessed on their reflection piece. Scoring Guide for Reflection/Position Writing (Attachment One) may be used to guide students' writing.

School/Home Connection:

Assign students the task of interviewing their parents or guardian about their own and their families' involvement in the philanthropic sector. Students will compile a list of activities and organizations from the interview to share with the class the following day.

Lesson Developed and Piloted by:

Thomas Webb
Fulton Schools
Fulton Middle School
Middleton, MI 48856

Handouts:

Handout 1Print Handout 1

Scoring Guide for Reflection/Position Writing

Points	Description
5	In order to receive a 5-point score, the student must: Take a position on the importance or non-importance of the third sector in upholding the core democratic values. Demonstrate an understanding of core democratic values. Write at least five relevant statements or examples supporting the position taken.
4	In order to receive a 4-point score, the student must: State a position on the importance or non-importance of the third sector in upholding the core democratic values. Demonstrate an understanding of core democratic values. Give at least four relevant statements/examples supporting the position taken.
3	In order to receive a 3-point score, the student must: Take a position on the importance or non-importance of the third sector in upholding the core democratic values. Demonstrate an understanding of core democratic values. Give at least three relevant statements/examples supporting the position taken.
2	In order to receive a 2-point score, the student must: Take a position on the importance or non-importance of the third sector in upholding the core democratic values. Demonstrate an understanding of the core democratic values. Give at least two relevant statements/examples supporting the position taken.
1	In order to receive a 1-point score, the student must: Take a position on the importance or non-importance of the third sector in upholding the core democratic value. Demonstrate an understanding of the core democratic values.
0	In order to receive a 0-point score, the student's discussion will show no evidence of any of the elements associated with the standard.

Academic Standards:

State:

Philanthropy Framework:

Unit Contents:

Overview:Make the Connection! Core Democratic Values and Philanthropy Summary

Lessons:

1.: CDV, CDV, What's a CDV?
2.: Searching for the Evidence
3.: Philanthropy and the CDVs
4.: Where Would We Be?
5.: Action!