Introduce scholars to Service Learning with a lesson that distinguishes between Service Learning and Community Service. After reading about others involved in Service Learning, class members generate a list of issues in their communities...

Active Citizenship Today (ACT) is a "unique social studies service learning program" that requires students to learn about the public policy associated with community issues they identify in their local community. This web site...

Explore positive and negative character traits and universal themes in the story of Cinderella with primary learners. Story elements are reviewed and discussion questions are listed. Learners practice retelling the story and begin a...

Students research Peace Corp volunteer Mary Ann Camp. In this Peace Corp research lesson, students research analyze Camp's roles in the Peace Corp. Students research Mary Ann's Peace Corps work and watch a video about Mary Ann's...

Young scholars define service learning and reflect on the purpose of the Global Youth Service Day. In this service learning lesson, students discuss and define service learning projects and the role youth has in their community. Young...

Learners explore the concept of community helpers.  In this community helper instructional activity, students brainstorm the community helpers in their neighborhood after reading a book about jobs in the community.  Learners...

Outcome + available resources  +  schedule + timeline + steps to complete project = Action Plan! The second lesson in the "Service Learning" module outlines for scholars the steps to take when designing an action plan for their...

Young activists examine local civil rights issues presented in news media sites to determine what elements make these stories attention-grabbing and trustworthy. Using this information and their worksheets from the first two lessons in...

After a close reading of the First Amendment and the five freedoms it guarantees, class members examine the civil rights timeline to see how civil rights groups applied these freedoms to create change. Using the issue the class chose in...

It's time to get to work! Groups assign roles, duties, and due dates for their Service Learning action plan. They then identify the approvals they will need to complete their project successfully.

Inspire kindness in and out of school with a lesson that challenges scholars to perform 100 acts of kindness during the time between Martin Luther King Jr. Day to Valentine's day. Leading up to a celebration of friendship, learners...

Eighth graders work together to come up with a topic for a service learning project that engages all members of the school community. Groups then develop a dialogue and visit other classrooms to encourage other students to participate....

Gratitude is the focus of a discussion that sets the stage for pupils to take part in a service-learning project in which they deliver notes of kindness by way of social media or mail. A reflection closes the learning experience.

Uncle Sam wants you to serve! Scholars investigate the role of mandatory national service in an open democracy. They research, watch a video, and hold a debate surrounding the issue of requiring one year of service to gain a better...

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning instructional activity, students define rights and responsibilities. Students discuss the role of philanthropy in contributing to the common good. They also review...

Eighth graders investigate philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, 8th graders read human rights literature and use information gleaned to discuss children's rights around the world. Students discuss scenarios meant to prompt...

Students read the story Happy Hearts in Manabí by Peace Corps Volunteer Kristen Mallory to consider how educating others can be a form of service. In this health education and service lesson, students read the book and...

Students study environmental issues of excess garbage and learn about recycling. In this recycling lesson plan, students discuss recycling and read a story about too much garbage. Students write a persuasive essay about the importance of...

Lend a helping hand! Scholars learn all about volunteering, viewing a PowerPoint presentation, completing a KWL chart, and discussing a service learning quote with a partner. Next, pupils select a volunteer project to complete. 

Introduce the project teams to critical skills they will need to successfully complete their Service Learning project. Groups learn how to use a tracking sheet and write a status memo. They discuss the importance of commitment,...

How'd we do? Class members consider different forms of public assessment and select a method or methods they will use to craft a formal public assessment of their Service Learning project. Participants then present their assessments.

Check and double-check! That's the big idea as teams prepare to launch their Service Learning Projects. They review their action plans, materials lists, timelines, schedules, and memos, brainstorm last-minute project needs, issues, and...

Scholars create and commit to a contract for their Service Learning project. The contract details who is responsible for which tasks on the action plan they developed in a previous lesson.

How do core values and identity contribute to citizenship and leadership? After engaging in a series of activities that explore core values, writers craft a children’s story that focuses on one value. They arrange to read their story to...