Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE
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Unit Overview:
Unit Purpose:
Students will act as philanthropists, using their time and effort to answer a call for help to protect the environment for the common good. Their activities will build an appreciation for Michigan's fragile dune habitats as one of our natural resources and raise an awareness of the need to preserve and protect these resources. They will call others to action as philanthropists in their persuasive essays. Students will develop a better appreciation that this is a philanthropic event that will benefit the human and wildlife community by cleaning up the beach. This project includes many cross-curriculum subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, social studies, as well as putting life skills into practice.
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- describe the need to preserve and protect our environment.
- act philanthropically for the betterment of the community.
- categorize and tally objects.
- weigh items in pounds and kilograms.
- differentiate between selfish and selfless actions.
- explain the main purpose of specific environmental organizations.
- write haiku and cinquain poems reflecting on an act of philanthropy.
- write a persuasive essay to convince others to act as philanthropists and care for our environment as well.
Service Experience:
Learners will go to a local beach or park and participate in the clean up of the area.
Unit Assessment:
The assessment is a persuasive essay convincing the reader that philanthropy and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Students should give at least three specific examples from their International Coastal Cleanup experience and/or Just a Dream to support their argument. These may be sent as letters to the editor of the local paper or published in a book of essays from the class that would go home to parents. This may be done over a period of days as process writing with rough draft, editing, and clean copy.
School/Home Connection:
- Students will write a note home prior to the activity to explain why and how we will be cleaning the beach (as well as inviting any parents along to help!)
- Parents will respond in students' journals.
Notes for Teaching:
In response to reading Just a Dream, the learners will answer a call for help to clean Lake Michigan beaches in conjunction with the Lake Michigan Federation (www.lakemichigan.org) and the International Coastal Cleanup held the third Saturday in September. (We do our project on the Friday before that date). Although this unit will specifically mention the Michigan project, the unit can be used anywhere. To get information on coastal cleanups world-wide, go the Center for Marine Conservation Web site, http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home, click on "What Can I Do?" and scroll down to "International Coastal Cleanup" to access information and U.S. and international coordinator lists.
This unit can be easily adapted for cleanup at any local park. If your time is limited, you may wish to skip the picnic and reflection at the park. Reflection may be a journal entry when you return to the classroom.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed and Piloted By:
Kathleen Veenstra
Reeths-Puffer Schools
Central Elementary School
1807 W Giles Road
Muskegon, MI 49445
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