Activity Overview
It's important for students to understand that they too can be an active participant in government and have a voice in society. In this activity, students will visualize how citizens in their community can change and improve the government and society that they live in. Depending on the town, city, state, or country they live in, students will have to do some research on their rights in relation to their area.
Teachers can use the list provided below to guide their students to the different examples of how they can be involved in a democracy, and can add examples as desired. Students should choose four examples from this list.
10 Possible Examples of How Citizens Can Make a Difference
- Voting
- Contacting their local representative
- Attending school, town, or city council meetings
- Staying informed of the news
- Running for office
- Promoting social issues
- Serving on a jury
- Signing a petition
- Discussing and debating issues with peers
- Respecting the differences and cultures in our community
Extension Activity:
Instead of having students research possible ways that they can make a difference, students will be working in groups to create an actual plan of ways that they will improve their own community. Students can help tutor students, participate in a local community group such as a soup kitchen, or volunteer with classmates to help clean their local environment. For every action students participate in, they should describe their action and create a visualization of the activity they chose. This activity can be a great use of the storyboard feature of uploading pictures to their storyboards. Students should take pictures of themselves in action and upload the pictures to their spider map to display to their class. Teachers or advisory groups should share their storyboards with other classes in order to "Pay it Forward" and see what ripple effect this could have on their community.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating specific examples of how you can actively participate in government.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each title box, identify a different way you can participate and make a difference.
- Write a summary of each in the description box, along with an example.
- Create an illustrating using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
It's important for students to understand that they too can be an active participant in government and have a voice in society. In this activity, students will visualize how citizens in their community can change and improve the government and society that they live in. Depending on the town, city, state, or country they live in, students will have to do some research on their rights in relation to their area.
Teachers can use the list provided below to guide their students to the different examples of how they can be involved in a democracy, and can add examples as desired. Students should choose four examples from this list.
10 Possible Examples of How Citizens Can Make a Difference
- Voting
- Contacting their local representative
- Attending school, town, or city council meetings
- Staying informed of the news
- Running for office
- Promoting social issues
- Serving on a jury
- Signing a petition
- Discussing and debating issues with peers
- Respecting the differences and cultures in our community
Extension Activity:
Instead of having students research possible ways that they can make a difference, students will be working in groups to create an actual plan of ways that they will improve their own community. Students can help tutor students, participate in a local community group such as a soup kitchen, or volunteer with classmates to help clean their local environment. For every action students participate in, they should describe their action and create a visualization of the activity they chose. This activity can be a great use of the storyboard feature of uploading pictures to their storyboards. Students should take pictures of themselves in action and upload the pictures to their spider map to display to their class. Teachers or advisory groups should share their storyboards with other classes in order to "Pay it Forward" and see what ripple effect this could have on their community.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating specific examples of how you can actively participate in government.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each title box, identify a different way you can participate and make a difference.
- Write a summary of each in the description box, along with an example.
- Create an illustrating using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about I Can Make a Difference!
Encourage Student Voice Through Classroom Debates
Give students a platform to express their opinions and practice civic engagement by organizing regular classroom debates on relevant topics. This helps them build confidence and understand the value of respectful discussion.
Set Clear Expectations for Debate Etiquette
Review guidelines for respectful listening, turn-taking, and disagreeing politely before each debate. Establishing these norms creates a safe space for all voices to be heard.
Assign Roles and Rotate Responsibilities
Give students specific roles like moderator, timekeeper, or note-taker. Rotating responsibilities ensures everyone participates and develops different civic skills.
Connect Topics to Real-World Issues
Choose debate topics related to school, community, or current events. This makes debates meaningful and helps students see how their voices can impact real decisions.
Reflect and Celebrate Diverse Perspectives
Hold a debrief after each debate to discuss what was learned and highlight the value of different viewpoints. Encouraging reflection builds empathy and democratic habits.
Frequently Asked Questions about I Can Make a Difference!
What are some easy ways students can make a difference in their community?
Students can make a difference by voting in school elections, volunteering, joining community groups, signing petitions, and participating in local events. These actions help students become active citizens and positively impact their communities.
How can K-12 teachers help students get involved in government activities?
Teachers can encourage students to research their civic rights, organize group projects like community clean-ups, guide them in creating storyboards of civic actions, and facilitate discussions on current events to inspire engagement in government activities.
What is a spider map activity for teaching civic engagement?
A spider map is a visual organizer where students illustrate different ways to participate in government. Each branch shows an example, a summary, and a related image, helping students brainstorm and visualize their role as active citizens.
Why is it important for students to participate in democracy?
It is important because active participation teaches students about civic responsibility, empowers them to voice their opinions, and helps shape a more inclusive, responsive society for everyone.
What are some group projects that promote student involvement in the community?
Examples include tutoring peers, volunteering at soup kitchens, organizing environmental clean-ups, and creating storyboards to share positive actions with other classes. These projects foster teamwork and community impact.
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