Learning Objectives:

1.  SWBAT identify and describe physical/visual problems within their local community.

2.  SWBAT work collaboratively to tackle a problem.

3.  SWBAT research using the library, the internet, and other sources to find solutions to a problem.

Essential Questions:  What can we do in the community to make it more conducive to building community?  What are some things that could stand a change?

Materials:

dependent on project

Activities:

Students are to brainstorm about how we can physically/visually improve the community. (This could range from the school building to the community at large.) 

Break students up into small groups...Have them work together to identify physical/visual problems within the community.  (This could be anything from an ugly billboard, to an abandoned lot, to people driving too fast past the school.)  List the problems on the board and have the students vote on the problem they would like to tackle.

Break students up into small groups and have them come up with possible solutions.  Have each group choose their best solution and spend a day or so researching it...

Come together as a large group to present findings...again, vote on the best one and have everyone begin working to make it happen.

Introductory Question: What are some physical/visual problems within our community?  What can we do to cause change?