| Project Citizen: Transforming Research into Action – Overview |
| Use ProCon.org as a research platform to kick off a long-term class project on an issue relevant to the community.
Grades: 6-12 |
| The Activity |
| Allow students to use the topics available on ProCon.org to choose an issue that the class cares about and is important to the community. Starting with the material available on the site, develop a portfolio of resources on that issue. Help students to notice the types of resources and evidence used by ProCon.org that they think makes a strong case. Then task students with expanding resources to include class writings and testimonials, interviews, internet research, position papers, charts, graphs, maps, or tables.
Once the portfolio is complete, have students prepare speeches, multimedia presentations, and/or public comments on the issue. Select class representatives and have them practice speeches in front of the class, with their peers offering constructive criticism to strengthen the presentation. Write and call relevant elected officials and members of the press. Use this communication to register the class position and request in-person meetings. Deliver the speeches and comments during these meetings and in any relevant public forums. Distribute the portfolio to all relevant officials, public offices, interest groups, journalists and media outlets. Finally show the school community what you’ve done with an assembly, a bulletin board, or a presentation before the faculty, school board, and or families. ——————————–
ProCon.org Topics: Any. See list of controversial topics. Subjects: Social Studies, Public Policy, Civics, American Government Common Core Anchor Standards: CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.7, CCRA.R.8, CCRA.W.1, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.W.5, CCRA.W.6, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.SL.2, CCRA.SL.4, CCRA.SL.5, CCRA.SL.6 Common Core Content Standards: RI.1, RI.6, RI.7, RI.8, RI.9, W.1, W.2, W.4, W.5, W.6, W.7, W.8, W.10, SL.2, SL.4, SL.5, SL.6, RH.1, RH.8 |
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