Title: Committing to Action

Overview & Outcomes:

Having determined the feasibility of certain actions toward the resolution of GAC in Actions Lesson 5, in this lesson, which extends over a period of time, students will make a commitment to take action, follow through on that commitment, and evaluate the results.

This helps learners:

• identify actions he or she is willing and capable of carrying out toward the resolution of GAC.
• carry out the identified actions.

The concept map found in Actions Lesson 1 shows model relationships among concepts Actions Lessons 1 through 6 seek to develop.

Background Notes for the Teacher:

Content. In this lesson, students come to understand the implications of a contract. Students will be informed from the outset that verification of completed actions will be required. All students may not believe that human impact upon the environment is a serious problem. Those students should be permitted to select another STS issue. Opportunities to share actions should be provided. These can be determined jointly by you and your students given your space, time, and scheduling restraints along with individual preferences (for example, wall displays, school assemblies, oral class presentations, videotapes, newspaper articles, school newspaper, photographs).

Integration. Depending upon the actions selected this lesson offers limitless opportunities to coordinate actions with all subject areas.

Additional Teacher References.

Hungerford et al. (Investigating and Evaluating Environmental Issues and Action: Skill Development Modules. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing Company).

Lewis, Barbara A. (1991). The Kids Guidebook to Social Action. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. $14.95, (612) 338-2068 ISBN: 0-915793-29-6

Materials:

For each student.

1. Citizenship Action Contract
2. Action Verification Sheet

   Note-Other materials will vary depending upon actions selected.

Preparation:

Reproduce the necessary number of Citizenship Action Contracts and Action Verification Sheets.

Instructional Procedure: (1 Day, 40 minutes)

1. Review the rationale of an STS unit (i.e., to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to take responsible actions to resolve STS issues). Have students discuss the right and need for citizens to take actions.

2. Instruct students to identify the actions they will take either as an individual, member of a family group, class group, or whole class group.

3. Distribute a copy of the CITIZENSHIP ACTION CONTRACT AND VERIFICATION for each student to complete. Discuss the implications of a contract and that verification of actions will be required.

4. Inform students that they will be given the opportunity to share their actions/activities with the rest of the class on ..., the date by which all actions should be completed and CONTRACT/VERIFICATION form is to be submitted.

Assessment/Portfolio Items:

In addition to the CITIZENSHIP ACTION CONTRACT AND VERIFICATION, the following items may be included for assessment/portfolio items:

Journal Entry.

1. Which of the actions you selected to take was the easiest to carry out and which was the hardest?
2. How do you feel about yourself as a result of taking actions?
3. If any of your actions were completed as part of a group, describe your work relationship with one or more of your work partners.
4. Which of the actions you took do you plan to continue carrying out beyond the end of this unit?

Projects.

I, _______________________ agree to carry out the following action(s):

Student' s Signature/Date: _________________________________

Action #1

___ Individually

___ With my family

___ With classmates

I, ________________________________, verify that __________________________________

successfully completed this action. (name of student)

Signature/Date: ___________________________________________

Action #2

___ Individually

___ With my family

___ With classmates

I, ________________________________, verify that __________________________________

successfully completed this action. (name of student)

Signature/Date: ___________________________________________

Action #3

___ Individually

___ With my family

___ With classmates

I, ________________________________, verify that __________________________________

successfully completed this action. (name of student)

Signature/Date: ___________________________________________

PLEASE RETURN BY ____________________

Click Here to go to Appendix A: Concept Maps and Concept Mapping