TEACHER MATERIALS
How do average citizens solve civic problems?
“Identifying Local Problems”
In this activity, the students will decide which local problem they want to focus on for their Solution Plan Project. They will fill out a handout to help them identify local problems.
“The Power of Voting”
In this activity, the students will consider the value of a single vote. They will read an article about low voter turn out and fill out the handout that goes with it. They will also watch a video about the value of a citizen’s right to vote and fill out another corresponding handout.
“On the Sidelines of Democracy: Exploring Why So Many Americans Don’t Vote”
“On the Sidelines of Democracy” handout
“The Power of One Vote” handout
“Responsible Voting Simulation”
In this activity, the students will participate in a voting simulation that highlights the importance of informed voting. They will also read an article about uninformed voting and answer questions about it. The article and the questions can be found on the same handout.
“The Ignorant Voter” article and questions
“Beyond Voting”
In this activity, the students will read articles about the value of civic action and answer questions about them. They will also take a quiz near the end of the activity. To introduce or review the concept of civic action, you may want to show your students a video.
“The Psychology of Citizenship”
“Why is Community Engagement Important?”
“Problem-Solving Scenarios”
In this activity, the students will practice the skill of diagraming a problem. First, you will teach them how to diagram a problem. Then, they will fill out a problem-solving diagram handout.
Basics of problem solving – slideshow version
Basics of problem solving – handout version
Problem-solving diagrams handout
“Types of Solutions”
In this activity, the students will explore the benefits and challenges associated with different types of civic action solutions. They will rotate through a number of stations and answer the corresponding questions on their “types of solutions” handout. Afterwards, they will have a class discussion about their answers to the questions on the handout. You may need to supplement their answers with additional information.
Types of solutions – “answer key” (supplemental information)
“Our Chosen Problem – Problem-Solving Diagram”
In this activity, the students will fill out a problem-solving diagram for their chosen problem.
“Exploring BeACitizen – Civic Action”
In this activity, the students will explore their civic action options using resources created by BeACitizen.
BeACitizen – Civic Action Guides
“Critiquing Student Examples”
In this activity, the students will explore examples of other students completing civic action projects. They will also fill out a handout, answering questions about the stories they read/watched.