Class V Civics Action Project

Students will revisit and mine their current events entries  in their inquiry journals that were created throughout the year, as well as their current events inquiry logs for inspiration in choosing an area(s) of interest. When you look back at all the entries you have, what’s most interesting to you? What are three issues that connect to you or feel personal?  What are the issues that make you want to expand your understanding, issues you can explore different perspectives on, issues that continue to be important, issues that are calling you to action? In small groups, students will discuss:

• Why is this issue important? Why does it resonate with me?
• What kinds of information do I need to understand this topic better?

Using library databases (Opposing Viewpoints, NYT, Boston Globe, other local news sources, etc.), students will begin to independently read and explore widely for the purpose of adding to and deepening the information they have about their area of interest(s.) Students will paste links into their packet and should also download and save articles that might be useful to return to later in a designated folder in Google Drive. Students will:

• Identify information that places their issue into a historical context
• Seek  information that explores the issue from multiple perspectives 
• Seek to expand their understanding of the issue (what additional aspects/considerations are related to this issue?)  
• Identify who/what institutions/organizations have jurisdiction/influence with regard to the issue.
• Explore who the stakeholders are with regard to this issue (who does it matter to?)