Project: Tackling Issues in Your Community

A critical lesson for students learning about government and civics is recognizing their role in the community. The abstract concepts of democracy and social contract theory havelittle meaning without a student’s personal connection to their purpose as a citizen. In this activity, as part of the study of Tennessee government, students will research an important issue that is currently impacting their local community. Once they have collected enough information, they will formulate a strategy on how best to solve the issue within their power as a citizen utilizing their local, state, and/or federal government.

Weblink address (URL):

Home Page- source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

In the course of the lesson, students will…

Identify and research an important public policy issue directly connected to their local community.
Describe and execute steps taken to gather information on the issue, decide the point-of-view from which they will take action, and implement change.
Articulate and present, in their own words, how the issue should be resolved.

Essential and guiding questions:

What is a major issue that is currently impacting my community?
How can I learn more about this issue, including ways to resolve the issue?
How can I explain to my fellow citizens why this is important and why they, too, should get involved in helping develop a solution?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Extension suggestions:

Option for extension: Invite state legislators or local elected officials to come speak to the classroom about their role in government.

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

Student internet access
“Actions Taken” handout (attached)
Optional: Presentation Rubric for PBL (attached)
Possible resources:
- Tennessee Blue Book – online version
- Federal Government – Agencies and Elected Officials
- County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS)
- Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS)