Serve & Learn Adventure!

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

All grades Project 4 weeks

Serve & Learn Adventure!

Magally D

D2.Civ.6.3-5

D4.7.3-5

D4.6.3-5

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on service-learning project that connects them with their community to explore the essential question: "How does serving others serve me?" Over four weeks, students will collaborate to identify a local need, design a service project, and implement their plan, using their unique skills and talents to make a positive impact. Through this process, they will reflect on their experiences, develop a deeper understanding of civic engagement, and cultivate a sense of belonging and identity within their community.

Learning goals

Students will explore the concept of service by identifying community needs and developing projects that address these needs, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy. Through collaborative efforts, students will practice teamwork and communication, enhancing their ability to work with diverse groups. By engaging in self-reflection and receiving feedback, students will cultivate self-directed learning skills and an academic mindset, understanding how their actions can create positive change. Critical thinking and problem-solving will be emphasized as students devise innovative solutions to real-world challenges, promoting kindness and understanding within their communities.

Standards

[National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.6.3-5 - Describe ways in which people benefit from and are challenged by working together, including through government, workplaces, voluntary organizations, and families.
[National Council for the Social Studies] D4.7.3-5 - Explain different strategies and approaches students and others could take in working alone and together to address local, regional, and global problems, and predict possible results of their actions.
[National Council for the Social Studies] D4.6.3-5 - Draw on disciplinary concepts to explain the challenges people have faced and opportunities they have created, in addressing local, regional, and global problems at various times and places.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a "Kindness Campaign" that includes personalized cards, posters, and a digital presentation showcasing their service projects and reflections. Each student will contribute to a collaborative mural that depicts acts of kindness and community service. Additionally, students will compile a service journal documenting their experiences, challenges, and growth throughout the project, which will be shared with peers and the school community.

Launch

Begin the project with a "Community Connection Day," where students participate in a guided neighborhood walk to observe and document acts of kindness and areas needing support. Invite local community leaders or volunteers to share stories about their service experiences and the impact they've made. After the walk, facilitate a reflective discussion where students share their observations and brainstorm ways they can contribute positively to their community using their unique skills and talents.

Exhibition

Students will organize a "Service Showcase" where they present their service projects to peers, family, and community members. Each student or group will create a display that highlights their project's impact, the skills they utilized, and the personal growth they experienced. The event will include interactive stations where attendees can engage in activities related to the projects, fostering a community-wide dialogue on kindness and collaboration.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Community Walk and Observation - Students participate in a guided neighborhood walk to observe and document acts of kindness and areas needing support. They will record their observations in their reflection notebooks. (45 min)	Sharing Observations and Reflection - Students share their observations from the community walk and engage in a reflective discussion about the importance of service in the community. They begin brainstorming ways they can contribute positively using their skills and talents. (45 min)	Understanding Community Needs - Students collaborate in groups to identify the most pressing needs observed in their community. They use self-reflection and peer feedback to refine their understanding of these needs and begin formulating potential service project ideas. (45 min)	Skill and Talent Identification - Students reflect on their unique skills and talents and how these can be utilized in service projects. They create a personal skills inventory in their reflection notebooks and discuss how these skills can address community needs. (45 min)	Project Proposal Development - Students work in groups to develop initial proposals for their service projects. They outline their project goals, strategies, and expected outcomes, drawing on their observations and skills inventory. Groups present their proposals for peer critique and revision. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Reflection entries in notebooks documenting observations from the neighborhood walk. 2. List of identified community needs based on observations and discussions. 3. Initial ideas for potential service projects brainstormed by students. 4. Feedback from peers and teacher on the initial ideas to help refine them. 5. Oral presentation of observations and ideas to the class for critique and revision. 6. A summary of community stories shared by local leaders, highlighting the impact of service.
Preparation	1. Organize a 'Community Connection Day' with local community leaders and volunteers who can share service stories. 2. Arrange necessary permissions and safety measures for a neighborhood walk. 3. Prepare reflection notebooks for students to document observations and thoughts. 4. Gather materials such as clipboards, pens, and cameras for students to use during the walk. 5. Coordinate with local producers or vendors for a visit to a local market. 6. Create a schedule for students to share their observations and brainstorm ideas.

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Activities	Community Needs Analysis - Students analyze the community needs identified in Week 1 and prioritize them for their service projects. They discuss in groups and use their reflection notebooks to document their insights. (45 min)	Project Planning Session - Students begin detailed planning for their service projects. They outline the steps required, resources needed, and assign roles within their groups. They document their plans in their reflection notebooks. (45 min)	Skill Application Workshop - Students focus on applying their identified skills and talents to specific project tasks. They engage in hands-on activities to practice and refine these skills in preparation for project implementation. (45 min)	Feedback Loop and Revision - Students present their project plans for peer review. They receive feedback and make necessary revisions, ensuring their plans are clear and actionable. They update their reflection notebooks with new insights and adjustments. (45 min)	Community Engagement Strategy - Students develop strategies for engaging with community partners. They identify key stakeholders and plan how to effectively communicate their project goals and gather support. This includes drafting letters or creating presentations. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed reflection entries in individual notebooks. 2. A list of potential service projects brainstormed by the class. 3. A detailed project plan for each group, including goals, steps, resources, and roles. 4. Drafted communications (letters or emails) sent to community partners. 5. Revised project proposals based on peer and teacher feedback.
Preparation	1. Prepare reflection notebooks for each student. 2. Arrange for necessary materials and resources for brainstorming sessions, such as markers, chart paper, and sticky notes. 3. Identify and contact potential community partners who can support the students' projects. 4. Create a template or guide for students to use when drafting communications to community partners. 5. Set up a classroom environment conducive to group work and presentations, with space for collaborative discussions.

Week 3	Day 11	Day 12	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15
Activities	Project Implementation Kick-off - Students begin implementing their service projects. They set up their workspaces and start with the initial tasks as outlined in their plans, focusing on teamwork and communication. (45 min)	Hands-on Service Activity - Students actively engage in executing their service tasks, applying their skills in a real-world context. They document their progress and any challenges encountered in their reflection notebooks. (45 min)	Mid-Project Check-in and Reflection - Students pause to assess their progress, revisiting their project goals and timelines. They engage in a group discussion to share experiences, receive feedback, and adjust their plans if necessary. (45 min)	Community Connection and Feedback - Students interact with community members or partners involved in their projects. They gather feedback on their work and discuss ways to enhance their impact, documenting insights in their reflection notebooks. (45 min)	Service Project Continuation and Reflection - Students continue with their project tasks, implementing improvements based on community feedback. They complete a reflection entry focusing on their personal growth and learning outcomes so far. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed service project plans with roles, tasks, and timelines. 2. Personalized cards and posters for the Kindness Campaign. 3. Draft digital presentation showcasing project goals and processes. 4. Reflection entries in notebooks addressing essential questions. 5. Peer feedback notes for project refinement.
Preparation	1. Gather art supplies for card and poster creation (markers, paper, stickers, etc.). 2. Ensure access to digital devices and software for presentation development. 3. Organize peer feedback session schedules and prepare feedback guidelines. 4. Coordinate with community partners for resource availability and permissions. 5. Prepare reflection notebooks for students.

Week 4	Day 16	Day 17	Day 18	Day 19	Day 20
Activities	Project Implementation and Adjustment - Students begin implementing their service projects in the community, adjusting their plans as needed based on real-world feedback and challenges. They document progress in their reflection notebooks. (30 min) Self-Reflection and Peer Feedback - Students reflect on their experiences during implementation, sharing insights and challenges with peers. They provide constructive feedback to each other to refine their approaches. (15 min)	Service Project Completion - Students finalize their service projects, ensuring all tasks are completed and objectives met. They work collaboratively to overcome any last-minute obstacles. (25 min) Reflection and Documentation - Students update their reflection notebooks with final thoughts on the project, noting personal growth and community impact. They prepare a summary of their project outcomes. (20 min)	Preparation for Exhibition - Students prepare displays and presentations for the Service Showcase, highlighting their project’s impact and their personal learning journey. They organize materials and rehearse presentations. (30 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Students present their exhibition materials to peers for review, receiving feedback to improve clarity and engagement. They make necessary revisions. (15 min)	Exhibition Setup - Students set up their displays for the Service Showcase, ensuring all materials are ready and organized. They practice the flow of their presentations. (20 min) Final Reflection - Students engage in a reflective discussion about the entire project, considering how their skills contributed to community service and personal development. They write final entries in their reflection notebooks. (25 min)	Service Showcase Exhibition - Students present their projects to peers, family, and community members. They share their experiences and engage attendees in discussions about service, kindness, and collaboration. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed Kindness Campaign materials (cards, posters, digital presentation). 2. Service journal compiled with reflections, challenges, and growth. 3. Collaborative mural depicting acts of kindness and community service. 4. Service Showcase presentation and interactive stations. 5. Final reflection entries in reflection notebooks.
Preparation	1. Ensure all Kindness Campaign materials are printed, assembled, and ready for display. 2. Gather supplies for the collaborative mural like canvas, paint, brushes, and markers. 3. Coordinate with community partners and invite them to the Service Showcase. 4. Prepare space for the Service Showcase, organizing stations and display areas. 5. Create and distribute reflection notebooks for final reflections.