Learning to Give
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Unit Overview:
Unit Purpose:
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- define philanthropy.
- trace the history of philanthropy in Michigan.
- relate philanthropy to his/her own life.
- describe the history and function of a grant-making foundation.
- research a local grant-making foundation through the Internet.
- compare two foundations by graphing their financial information.
- generate interview questions.
- role play the interview process.
- identify how citizens of their community conduct philanthropy.
Service Experience:
The students will learn to edit and design a video. They will take the interview segments and edit them into a complete video. The video would include an introduction, graphics and scenes from the community and school. The students will plan and execute a presentation ceremony to give the video to the community. Several options can be considered: writing a song, play, or poem, creating a dance, and designing a billboard.
Unit Assessment:
The assessment of the unit will be the video and the presentation. The assessments of the lessons are:
- Human Timeline
- Scavenger Hunt Rubric
- Speech poise, volume, eye contact, information obtained
- Reflection discussion
School/Home Connection:
Ask students to share the picture and description they created of philanthropy in their lives with their parent or guardian. Have them discuss how philanthropy has been part of their family's life (see Lesson One: Michigan History of Philanthropy).
Notes for Teaching:
If video equipment is not available, the project can be accomplished using pictures taken with digital, disposable, or instant cameras. The pictures could be included in a display with reports and reflections about philanthropy, nonprofits in the community and the interview process.
In advance, contact several representatives from local nonprofits about their willingness to come to the school or receive a visit from students, be interviewed and video taped for ten-fifteen minutes about their organization. Access the Learning to Give Web site at http://learningtogive.org click on "Resources Room," "Michigan Map of Resources" or so a zip code search on www.guidestar.org as sources for these contacts.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed By:
Cheryl Carr
Bridgman Public Schools
Reed Middle School
10254 California Road
Bridgman, MI 49106
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.