"How Can I be a Responsible Citizen for the Common Good" is a four week unit on citizenship exploring the benefits and responsibilities that a contributing member of society posesses. This unit is divided into four sections. In the first week, section one introduces the concept of citizenship in general. During the second week, the focus is on the voting process. Students will work in two groups, like our political system, discuss how to defend differing views on a new school rule, debate, register to vote, and finally vote on the new rule. The next week the focus is on patriotic tradition and flag etiquette. American Legion, boy scouts, and a visiting US immigrant will share the importance of our flag and the proper etiquette in the care of the U.S. flag. During the fourth week, service learning is the focus. Students will hear from different service organizations about what they do. At the end of the week, the class will decide on a project they would like to do for their community. Each focus, or week in this unit is a 'stand alone' plan. Learning activity ideas are presented but some of the materials for implementation are missing. The teacher will need to prepare in advance for the many suggested visitors required for the lessons. This unit provides a long list of suggested readings both for students and adults as well as many web site links. Pre-assessment depends on KWL charts which are referred to throughout the lessons. Post assessment depends on student portfolios and journal entries. (author/pb)

In particular, the fourth week in this four week unit allows students to make suggestions for a community project, discuss the benifits and needs of the project, and finally to implement the service project for the community.