Teachers > Civic Engagement > Materials & Teacher Preparation
​Materials & Teacher Preparation
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In this download center you can access, download or print copies of handouts, activities, and discussion-related materials you will need to make this lesson a success. We recommend the following class preparation.
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Equipment
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Computer with Internet access for teacher
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Computers with Internet access for students (throughout, or just for student research on Day One)
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Computer projector
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Speakers
Teacher Preparation
Follow the instructions below before starting this lesson.
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If teaching this lesson using print materials, make the appropriate number of copies of all student materials. (Quantities listed below.) If running Extension Activity 3 (Quotes About Civic Engagement) using physical cards, make an appropriate number of copies of Civic Engagement Quote Cards and cut along the lines to make several sets of quote cards.
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Set up and test computer, projector, speakers, and all videos before starting the lesson. Confirm that you are able to play and project the videos with adequate audio volume, or that your students can on their own systems.
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Before Day One, or for both days if you are using online versions of materials, ensure that computers are available for in-class student use.
Students define civic engagement, discuss its vital role in a democracy, and consider a wide variety of actions and behaviors that can count as civic engagement. They then work in small groups to research one American whose civic engagement has had an effect on democracy in the United States.
Materials
Day One
Materials
ACTIVITY
Lead a discussion based on what students have learned through their assignment on civically engaged Americans.
Students take turns presenting their case studies of civically engaged Americans then watch two short videos profiling civically engaged students. For homework, they compose a written reflection that explores the way(s) in which they themselves might become more civically active.
Materials
Day Two
WATCH
Students hear from students about how they have become civically active.
Materials
ASSIGNMENT
Students reflect on the ways they could envision becoming more involved in their communities.
WATCH
Students watch a short profile of student activist Michelle Hua.
ACTIVITY
Lead a discussion based on what students have learned through their assignment on civically engaged Americans.
Use these extension activities to extend the lesson and reinforce understanding.
Materials
Extension Activities
WATCH
Students hear from U.S. political leaders on the importance of civic engagement and how to get involved.
CLOSE-UP
Students review case studies of impactful, lesser-known civically engaged Americans from the past.
ACTIVITY
Students read, discuss, and reflect on quotes about civic engagement.
Materials
ACTIVITY
Lead students in a discussion about the different levels of government where you live.
ACTIVITY
Have students take action on a real-world issue that they are interested in.
