Act Locally! A Unit Plan Focused on Community

My article review was of "Student 'Experts' in Community Character" by Linda L. Rulison. It was published in Green Teacher in Issue 82 (Fall 2007, p. 13-17). The article is essentially a Unit Plan that a Middle School Socials Studies teacher created in collaboration with the other core subject (math, science and language arts) teachers at the school. The school is in a small rural community that is undergoing serious urban development.  

The unit began with a discussion on the idea of community and a history/geography lesson about their community that was centered around primary sources and maps. In groups of 4 students were then assigned a specific part of the community to become experts on. Community experts including a photographer, a green-energy specialist and a landscape architect were brought in to aid the students in their research and observation. Parents were also encourage to take part. While the Social Studies teacher oversaw the Unit, the Math teacher taught the students how to analyze and graph survey results and the Science teacher aided the students in research of local environmental concerns. 

At the end of the three week unit the students created a visual presentation of not only their findings and observations from their area but also a plan they created to improve their specific corner of the community. These presentations were shared at an open house that the community, their parents, the media and elected officials were invited to.

What a great way to not only get students out into their community but also feel like a part of its development! If you are interested in the idea the article lays out the unit lesson by lesson.