Students learn about the characteristics of an effective personal narrative and compare those to a news article. They do prewriting activities and practice writing details to show rather than tell about an experience.

Students become familiar with the structure of the newspaper and the purpose of the different types of articles as they explore "stories" about acts of giving and sharing time, talent, and treasure for the common good. Students recognize the types of voices and articles in the newspaper. They analyze the components of news articles and complete pre-writing for a news article about their own acts of philanthropy. 

This lesson guides learners as they inform a public audience about philanthropic acts that enhance the common good. The learners write newspaper articles that describe acts of service and volunteerism in their community.

Learners examine the statistics of voter turnout in the Federal Elections and from these statistics the learners draw some comparative conclusions.

Raise awareness of the importance of freedom of speech and the opportunity to voice one's opinion without fear of reprisal, as principles basic to a democracy. The learners investigate ways to have a positive influence in encouraging eligible voters to make their voices heard at the polls during elections.  

In this lesson young people learn about the tools of advocacy for the common good. They investigate the characteristics of advocates and develop their own personal advocacy style.

The lesson provides learners with an opportunity to explore ways to become a hero for animals by promoting animal welfare and humane treatment of animals.  Learners identify a local, state, national or international animal welfare cause and develop a personal service/advocacy plan, using the rational approach to problem solving.  They implement the plan, and share the results of their service/advocacy with their peers and/or the community.

The purpose of this lesson is to identify what it means to be a true hero.  The learners will explore character traits of heroes and apply this information to understand why individuals, or organizations might be considered heroes for animal welfare and humane treatment.

In this lesson the learners will define problem solving and identify some problem solving approaches.  They will explore how individuals, groups, and organizations use problem solving approaches, especially as it applies to animal welfare and humane treatment, to address concerns and issues while promoting the common good.

Young people research the ecosystems around their own homes, school, and community, so they can be better informed stewards about conservation.