Select a Concern to Investigate

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In Stage 2 of the cycle, “Select a Concern to Investigate,” students will examine their school communities to better understand both strengths and challenges, brainstorm issues and concerns. They will discuss these ideas with their classmates and select a focus for their inquiry.

At this stage, student researchers develop a mission and a vision to guide, deepen and motivate their work. The resources below are scaffolded and differentiated to support you and your students in this process!

Resources

Activity: Community Webs and Maps

In this 90-minute lesson plan (adaptable from 45-90 minutes), students will define what community means to them and understand the interdependency of the people and places within their community. Youth will begin to map the resources and needs they see in their community and identify the diverse perspectives that group members bring to the community.

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Activity: Identify Issues and Assets

In this 90-minute lesson plan (adaptable from 45-90 minutes), students will indentify key issues that concern them and key assets that support them in their community.

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Activity: Asset Mapping Through Photovoice

In this 90-120 minute lesson plan, students will photograph and assess their school community's assets.

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Activity: Issue Mapping Through Photovoice

In this 90-120 minute lesson plan, students will photograph and assess their school community's issues.

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Activity: Pick a Topic

In this 90-minute lesson plan (adaptable from 45-90 minutes), students will select a topic or topics for their research and action project.

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Activity: Getting to the Root of the Problem

In this 90-minute lesson plan (adaptable from 45-90 minutes), students will identify the causes and effects of their selected community issue.

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Activity: Cause and Effect Worksheet

On this grapic organizer worksheet, students will map the causes and effects of a particular problem or issue.

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Worksheet: How To Choose An Issue

By using this worksheet, students will generate discussion comparing and contrasting three possible topic choices to aid in the final selection of a topic.

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Activity: Charity and Change

In this 60 minute lesson plan (adaptable from 30-60 minutes), students will understand the differences between charity and change. Participants will apply these concepts to the issues or problems in their community.

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Activity: Decide on Your Research Questions

In this 90 minute lesson plan (adaptable from 45-90 minutes), students will come up with research questions related to their chosen topic.

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