Empowering Nonprofits: Students Using Skills for Social Change

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Empowering Nonprofits: Students Using Skills for Social Change

Grade 9EnglishScienceArt1 days

The 'Empowering Nonprofits: Students Using Skills for Social Change' project engages ninth-grade students across English, Science, and Art to explore and support nonprofit organizations through their personal skills and creativity. Students start by participating in various entry events to spark interest and gain insights into nonprofit functions. Through research, strategic planning, and collaborative project execution, students apply their skills to address the challenges faced by a chosen nonprofit. The experience culminates in a reflective showcase and presentation, through which students demonstrate their learning and the tangible impact of their projects while gaining a deeper understanding of social change and nonprofit dynamics.

NonprofitsCollaborationCreativitySocial ChangeResearchProject ExecutionSkills Application

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as ninth-grade students, identify a cause we care about and use our individual skills and talents to creatively support a local or global nonprofit organization, while understanding their challenges and making a tangible impact on society?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What is a nonprofit organization, and how do they function in society?
How can individuals use their skills and talents to support and enhance the work of nonprofit organizations?
What are the key challenges nonprofits face, and how can we creatively solve them?
In what ways can research and communication with organizations enhance our understanding of their needs and challenges?
How can we effectively collaborate in groups to identify a cause and execute a project that makes a difference in our community or globally?
What impact do design, creativity, and technology have in addressing global and local challenges?
How do personal values and skills intersect with societal needs in creating positive social impact?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Identify and research a nonprofit organization or cause that students are passionate about, understanding its mission, challenges, and needs.
Develop strategies to use personal skills and talents in a project that supports the identified nonprofit organization or cause, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving.
Collaborate effectively in groups to brainstorm, plan, and execute a project that aims to make a positive impact on society or the environment.
Enhance communication skills by interacting with nonprofit organizations and presenting findings and project outcomes.
Integrate design, creativity, and technology in executing project ideas, reflecting on personal values and societal needs.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7

Primary

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Reason: This standard aligns with the requirement for students to conduct research on their chosen cause and nonprofit organizations, allowing them to synthesize information to understand the challenges these organizations face.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1

Primary

Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.Reason: Students will engage in collaborative discussions to brainstorm, plan, and execute their projects, addressing how to make a tangible impact on their chosen cause.

Next Generation Science Standards

NGSS.HS-ETS1-1

Secondary

Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.Reason: The project involves analyzing societal needs and constraints faced by nonprofits to develop creative solutions, aligning with this science standard's emphasis on addressing global challenges.

National Core Arts Standards

VA:Cr2.1.II

Supporting

Through experimentation, practice, and persistence, demonstrate acquisition of skills and knowledge in a chosen art form demonstrating original or render interpretations of works of art for a range of purposes and audiences.Reason: Students might choose art forms such as poster design to support their nonprofit's cause, using their skills to interpret and express ideas in service of societal impact.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Tech Treasure Hunt

Organize a 'Tech Treasure Hunt' where students follow clues related to different local nonprofits' projects, using QR codes and digital tools to uncover information. Each clue will provide a deeper understanding of the functioning and challenges faced by nonprofits, prompting students to think critically about how their skills in science, art, and English can be useful in these contexts.

Mystery Donation Box

Kick off the project with a 'Mystery Donation Box' event. Place a mysterious, well-decorated box in the classroom, filled with everyday items that symbolize different nonprofit causes (like a toy stethoscope for health, a plush animal for wildlife, etc.). Challenge students to guess the cause each item represents and how their skills could contribute to that cause, sparking curiosity and leading them to connect their interests with real-world nonprofit challenges.

Nonprofit Speed-Dating

Host a 'Nonprofit Speed-Dating' event where local nonprofit representatives join the classroom online or in person for quick, timed discussions with students. These interactions allow students to ask questions and gain insights into various causes, while also reflecting on how their unique skills can be used for making an impact, thereby aligning with their personal interests and academic subjects.

Virtual Reality Impact Tours

Engage students with a 'Virtual Reality Impact Tour,' where they virtually explore the work done by various global and local nonprofits. This immersive experience captures attention and provides insights into different causes, encouraging students to think about how they could integrate their art, science, or English skills into these settings.

Passion Pitch Panel

Create a 'Passion Pitch Panel' day where students present quick, passionate pitches on a social issue they care about. Invite educators and nonprofit experts to listen to pitches and provide feedback on how their ideas can manifest into actual change, addressing core learning goals while challenging students to think creatively about applying their skills to help real-world causes.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Cause Discovery Dive

Students explore different nonprofits and causes to find one they are passionate about. Through research and communication, they gain an understanding of nonprofit functions and challenges, aligning their findings with personal skills.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Engage in entry events such as 'Tech Treasure Hunt' and 'Mystery Donation Box' to spark interest and gather initial insights.

2. Research local and global nonprofit organizations, focusing on their missions, challenges, and societal roles.

3. Participate in 'Nonprofit Speed-Dating' or 'Virtual Reality Impact Tours' to gain firsthand insights.

4. Reflect on personal skills and values to align them with nonprofit needs.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation or written report on a chosen nonprofit, highlighting its mission, challenges, and how personal skills can contribute.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7 by conducting research to understand the chosen nonprofit.

Activity 2

Skill Impact Strategy

To develop a strategic plan where students identify how their skills can creatively support their chosen cause or nonprofit organization, considering different artistic, scientific, or technological approaches.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Brainstorm with peers about personal skills and talents that can address identified challenges.

2. Identify potential projects, like poster design, app development, or community service, to support the nonprofit's mission.

3. Analyze constraints and needs using knowledge gained from standards like NGSS.HS-ETS1-1 to draft a detailed plan.

4. Present strategic plan in the 'Passion Pitch Panel' to gather feedback and refine ideas.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA strategic plan outlining how personal skills can be used to create tangible change for the nonprofit.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers NGSS.HS-ETS1-1 by analyzing societal needs and creating a solution-oriented strategy.

Activity 3

Collaborative Project Execution

Students work in groups to implement their strategic plans, focusing on effective collaboration and communication to support their chosen nonprofit and project goals.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Form groups based on shared interests in particular nonprofits or causes.

2. Delegate roles and responsibilities based on individual skills, ensuring everyone contributes uniquely.

3. Execute the project, whether it's designing posters, building a website, or organizing a community event.

4. Continuously communicate with the nonprofit for updates and feedback, making adjustments as necessary.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed project that demonstrates group collaboration and individual contributions towards a nonprofit's goals.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 by facilitating collaboration and effective group discussions.

Activity 4

Reflective Showcase & Presentation

Reflect on the entire journey of identifying a cause, strategizing an impact, and executing the project, culminating in a showcase and presentation of tangible outcomes and learned experiences.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Prepare a presentation or showcase using multimedia elements to capture the essence of the project.

2. Reflect on individual and group learning experiences, challenges faced, and solutions achieved.

3. Present to an audience of peers, teachers, and nonprofit representatives, highlighting project impacts and personal growth.

4. Gather feedback from the audience to understand areas for improvement and celebrate successes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive presentation and reflective showcase that encapsulates the project journey and its impact.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports VA:Cr2.1.II by interpreting and expressing project ideas through art and creativity.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Nonprofit Impact Project Rubric

Category 1

Research and Understanding

Assesses students' ability to conduct thorough research on nonprofit organizations, synthesizing and understanding their missions, challenges, and societal roles.

Criterion 1

Research Quality

Evaluates the depth and accuracy of the research conducted on nonprofit organizations and causes.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts extensive and detailed research with multiple sources, showing sophisticated understanding of the nonprofit's mission and challenges.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts thorough research with several sources, demonstrating clear understanding of the nonprofit's mission and challenges.

Developing

2 Points

Conducts basic research with limited sources, showing emerging understanding of the nonprofit's mission and challenges.

Beginning

1 Points

Conducts minimal research with few sources, displaying initial understanding of the nonprofit's mission and challenges.

Criterion 2

Nonprofit Conceptualization

Measures understanding of nonprofit functions and the ability to articulate their challenges and roles in society.

Exemplary

4 Points

Articulates a deep understanding of nonprofit functions, roles, and challenges with exceptional clarity and insight.

Proficient

3 Points

Clearly articulates understanding of nonprofit functions, roles, and challenges effectively.

Developing

2 Points

Displays a basic understanding of nonprofit functions, roles, and challenges with some clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows limited understanding of nonprofit functions, roles, and challenges.

Category 2

Strategic Planning and Problem-Solving

Evaluates the ability to develop a strategic plan utilizing personal skills to creatively address identified nonprofit challenges by considering artistic, scientific, or technological approaches.

Criterion 1

Strategic Plan Development

Assesses the quality and creativity of the strategic plan developed to support the nonprofit organization.

Exemplary

4 Points

Develops an innovative and comprehensive strategic plan that addresses nonprofit challenges creatively and thoroughly.

Proficient

3 Points

Develops a coherent and detailed strategic plan that effectively addresses nonprofit challenges.

Developing

2 Points

Develops a basic plan with some creative elements, addressing nonprofit challenges inconsistently.

Beginning

1 Points

Develops an incomplete plan with minimal creativity, struggling to address nonprofit challenges.

Category 3

Collaboration and Execution

Assesses the effectiveness in collaborating with peers, executing the project plan, and maintaining communication with nonprofit organizations to meet project goals.

Criterion 1

Team Collaboration

Evaluates the ability to work effectively as part of a team, contributing to collective goals through clear communication and role delegation.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional teamwork and leadership, contributing significantly and ensuring effective group collaboration and role distribution.

Proficient

3 Points

Shows strong teamwork skills, contributing effectively and collaborating well with peers.

Developing

2 Points

Participates in team activities with inconsistent collaboration and contribution to the group.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with teamwork, providing limited contribution and requiring considerable support.

Category 4

Reflection and Presentation

Measures the ability to reflect on the project journey and present findings creatively using multimedia elements, highlighting project impacts and personal growth.

Criterion 1

Reflective Insight

Assesses depth of reflection on the learning journey, challenges, and solutions encountered during the project.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides profound and comprehensive insights into learning experiences, challenges faced, and solutions realized during the project.

Proficient

3 Points

Reflects effectively on the learning journey, clearly articulating challenges and solutions encountered.

Developing

2 Points

Offers basic reflections on the learning journey with limited articulation of challenges and solutions.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides minimal reflection on learning experiences, struggling to articulate challenges and solutions.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

In what ways did participating in the project change or deepen your understanding of nonprofit organizations and their challenges?

Text

Required

Question 2

How effectively did you utilize your personal skills and talents in supporting your chosen nonprofit, and what role did creativity play in this application?

Text

Required

Question 3

How well did your group collaborate to achieve your project goals, and what were the main factors that contributed to your teamwork success or challenges?

Text

Required

Question 4

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident are you in applying your skills to create tangible change for a nonprofit cause in the future?

Scale

Required

Question 5

Which entry event was most impactful in helping you identify a cause you care about?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Tech Treasure Hunt

Mystery Donation Box

Nonprofit Speed-Dating

Virtual Reality Impact Tours

Passion Pitch Panel