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Make a Difference: Student Projects for Nonprofits
Grade 2EnglishScienceArt1 days
This project-based learning experience for second graders aims to empower students by connecting them with local nonprofit organizations. Through inquiry-driven activities, students research and creatively propose solutions to real-world challenges faced by these organizations. By aligning personal skills with community needs, students develop a deep understanding of nonprofits' roles and enhance their collaboration, research, and communication skills. The project culminates in a presentation where students showcase their innovative ideas and what they have learned about making a difference.NonprofitProject-Based LearningCollaborationCreativityCommunity ImpactResearch SkillsProblem Solving
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as second graders with diverse skills, effectively support and create solutions for a nonprofit organization addressing a cause important to us?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is a nonprofit organization, and how do they help people and communities?
- How can different skills be used to make a difference in our community and the world?
- What are some causes or issues that are important to me, and why?
- How do we identify challenges that nonprofits face in their work?
- What creative solutions can we come up with to help address these challenges?
- How do we collaborate and communicate effectively to achieve a common goal?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand the role of nonprofit organizations in helping communities and addressing various issues.
- Students will develop research skills by investigating a nonprofit organization and its needs.
- Students will learn to apply their personal skills to support a cause and solve real-world problems.
- Students will collaborate effectively with peers to develop and execute a project plan.
- Students will communicate their findings and solutions through various media such as writing, speaking, and art.
- Students will reflect on their learning experience and the impact of their project on the chosen cause.
Common Core State Standards - English Language Arts
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.7
Primary
Participate in shared research and writing projects.Reason: Students will be researching a nonprofit organization and collaboratively working on a project to address a challenge.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1
Primary
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.Reason: The project involves collaboration and communication within groups to come up with solutions.
Next Generation Science Standards
NGSS.K-2-ETS1-1
Secondary
Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.Reason: Students will investigate the issues faced by nonprofits and identify problems they can help solve.
National Art Education Standards
CCSS.ART.2.VA.CR1.1
Secondary
Create art or design with various materials and tools to explore personal interests, questions, and curiosity.Reason: Students may use art and design skills to create solutions like posters to support their chosen cause.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsVirtual Charity Fair
Students kick off the project with a 'Virtual Charity Fair,' where representatives from local nonprofits present real issues they face. This live interaction not only sparks curiosity but also allows students to immediately envision how their own skills could contribute to real-world solutions.A Day in the Life of a Code for Good Volunteer
Students start by watching a day-in-the-life video of a Code for Good volunteer. This video captures exciting problem-solving scenarios and mundane daily tasks alike, challenging students to re-think the contributions various skills can make to a nonprofit's mission, and inspiring them to become actively involved.Mysterious Mailbox Challenge
Students find a mysterious mailbox in their classroom filled with letters from local nonprofits describing real challenges they face, looking for innovative solutions. This concept engages students through the thrill of discovery and the challenge of creatively addressing issues seldom explored in conventional education.Community Story Quilt
Kicking off with a storytelling session, students contribute to a community 'story quilt' by adding their own experiences or hopes related to helping others, forming narratives that generate empathy and curiosity, which then ties back to project goals by demonstrating how personal stories fit into larger community needs.Digital Creativity Hackathon
Launching with a mini-hackathon, students are grouped and challenged to design quick, creative digital or physical prototypes that could theoretically help a nonprofit scenario. This encourages students to use both imagination and initial research, unleashing their creativity and simulating real-world problem-solving.đź“š
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Cause Exploration Expedition
Students embark on a journey to explore various causes that nonprofits support. They identify a cause they care about and learn about the role of nonprofit organizations in addressing these issues.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Start with a class discussion about different causes and why they are important.
2. List various nonprofit organizations and the causes they support.
3. Choose a cause that resonates with you personally.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA selection of a personal cause, documented with reasons for its importance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 and NGSS.K-2-ETS1-1 by encouraging students to engage in collaborative discussions and make observations about social issues.Activity 2
Nonprofit Detective Diaries
Students investigate a local nonprofit organization to understand its mission, challenges, and the work it does in the community by conducting interviews or online research.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research a local nonprofit organization related to your chosen cause.
2. Prepare interview questions that can help you understand their work and challenges.
3. Conduct an interview or research session to gather information.
4. Document your findings in a diary format, noting significant insights.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detective diary entry summarizing the mission and challenges of a chosen nonprofit.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.7 by engaging in a shared research project to gather information about a real-world organization.Activity 3
Skill Showcase Solutions
Students identify their own skills and brainstorm how these skills could be utilized to support the nonprofit’s work. They develop creative ideas and propose solutions to specific challenges faced by the organization.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Reflect on your personal skills and talents through a self-assessment activity.
2. Match your skills with potential needs of the nonprofit based on your detective diary research.
3. Brainstorm creative solutions or projects that apply these skills to support the nonprofit’s mission.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA proposal document outlining creative solutions for the nonprofit, tailored to individual skills.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsConnects with NGSS.K-2-ETS1-1 by defining a problem and proposing innovative solutions, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 through collaborative brainstorming.Activity 4
Artistic Advocacy Action
Students use their artistic talents to create visual materials aimed at raising awareness or supporting the cause of their chosen nonprofit. This can include posters, digital artwork, or even simple models.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Select an art form or medium you are comfortable with.
2. Design a visual piece that communicates a clear message about the cause and the nonprofit’s work.
3. Create your artwork, ensuring it is both informative and persuasive.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed piece of art with an advocacy message linked to the nonprofit’s objectives.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets CCSS.ART.2.VA.CR1.1 by encouraging students to create art that explores personal interests and questions related to real-world causes.Activity 5
Project Presentation Parade
Students compile their learnings and creations into a presentation that they deliver to classmates, teachers, or community members. This is an opportunity to practice public speaking and present their contributions to supporting their chosen cause.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Organize your detective diary, solution proposal, and artistic creations into a cohesive presentation.
2. Rehearse your presentation with peers to get feedback and improve.
3. Present your work to an audience, explaining how the project supports the nonprofit’s goals and what you’ve learned.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA live or recorded presentation showcasing the journey from exploration to creative action.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 by enabling students to communicate their research and creative process in a structured manner.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioNonprofit Project Assessment Rubric
Category 1
Understanding and Research Skills
Assessment of students’ ability to investigate nonprofit organizations, identify challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of social issues.Criterion 1
Research and Inquiry
Student's ability to effectively gather and document information about a nonprofit organization and its challenges.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough research, using a variety of sources or interviews, and documents findings comprehensively with significant insights.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts adequate research, using some sources or interviews, and documents findings clearly with relevant information.
Developing
2 PointsConducts limited research with few sources, documenting findings with basic understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to gather information with minimal documentation or insight.
Criterion 2
Identification of Challenges
Student's ability to identify and articulate the key challenges faced by the nonprofit organisation.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and articulates challenges insightfully, linking them to broader social issues convincingly.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and articulates key challenges accurately and clearly.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some challenges with limited articulation and understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify or articulate challenges clearly, often requiring assistance.
Category 2
Creative Solutions and Skill Application
Evaluation of student's innovation and ability to apply personal skills to solve problems identified in nonprofits.Criterion 1
Creative Problem Solving
Student's ability to devise innovative solutions using personal skills to address nonprofit challenges.
Exemplary
4 PointsGenerates highly creative and practical solutions, effectively matching personal skills with nonprofit needs.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops practical solutions with some creative elements, aligning skills with nonprofit needs appropriately.
Developing
2 PointsProposes solutions with limited creativity and alignment with skills.
Beginning
1 PointsAttempts solutions with minimal creativity and loose alignment with personal skills.
Category 3
Communication and Presentation
Assessment of student's ability to communicate findings and solutions effectively through presentations.Criterion 1
Presentation Clarity and Engagement
Student's ability to present information clearly, engaging audiences with effective communication.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a compelling presentation, clearly communicating information and engaging audiences effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and informative presentation, engaging audience to a good degree.
Developing
2 PointsPresents information with some clarity and audience engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to convey information clearly or engage audience effectively.
Category 4
Collaboration and Reflection
Assessment of student's ability to work with peers collaboratively and reflect on their learning process.Criterion 1
Teamwork and Collaboration
Student's contribution to teamwork and collaborative efforts with peers.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates leadership in collaboration, encouraging diverse ideas and contributing actively.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates actively, contributing to group goals and supporting peers.
Developing
2 PointsEngages with peers with limited active contribution or support.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely participates in teamwork or collaborative tasks, requiring guidance.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
What surprised you most about the role and challenges of nonprofit organizations after completing the project?
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Question 2
On a scale of 1 to 5, how effectively do you think your group collaborated to create and execute your project?
Scale
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Question 3
Which skill did you find most useful during the project, and how did it help your group address the nonprofit's challenges?
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Question 4
What aspect of your final project are you most proud of, and why?
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Question 5
How has your understanding of community and global issues changed as a result of this project?
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Question 6
If you had the chance to redo your project, what would you do differently and why?
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