Experiential Learning – Community Problem-Solving Projects

Utilizing the no-prep experiential learning unit on solving community issues will empower your students to be active learners and members of their community by providing them with a hands-on, project-based learning (PBL) experience that goes far beyond the traditional textbook.

The complete curriculum guide and student workbook for this PBL unit will give you all the necessary information to create an engaging and effective PBL unit with your middle school students.

The curriculum is built on the proven E.P.I.C framework (empathize, probe, innovate, commit), which will lead them through the entire civic action process, from identifying an authentic community issue, to conducting research about that issue, to designing a sustainable solution, to implementing their proposed solution.

● Learning Objectives For Participants:

1. Developing Systems Thinking through the use of tools like Iceberg Model and Five Whys, to identify underlying causes of issues rather than just surface level symptoms.

2. Supporting Empathetic Research by conducting interviews with Stakeholders and Mapping Community Assets through uses of Asset-Based Community Development.

3. Developing Data Analysis through differentiating and collecting data from both Qualitative and Quantitative sources in order to effectively communicate the case for change.

4. Supporting Design Thinking and Innovation by brainstorming and using a Feasibility/Impact Matrix to develop the best ideas.

5. Developing project management through Budgeting, Resources Allocation, Timelines with Milestones and Risk Mitigation.

6. Developing Persuasive Communication by learning how to "Pitch" using Ethos, Pathos and Logos to obtain Stakeholder Buy-In.

7. Developing Resilience and Reflection by gaining experience with real-world friction, by learning from successes and failures.

Basic Content Summary. The following outlines the contents of the 39-page PDF document:

- Part 1 is the Teacher's Theoretical Guide (approximately 11 pages in total) and provides a comprehensive overview of experiential learning's pedagogical background. The guide will give you the ability to facilitate, and confidence to use, experiential learning with your students.

- Part 2 is the Student Workbook (about 16 pages total) and has worksheets that are scaffolded for each step of the project from community mapping through to summative reflection; includes 10 different worksheets.

- Part 3 is comprised of Visuals & Teacher Resources (about 12 pages total).

- Classroom Visuals: Contains anchor charts for The Experiential Learning Cycle, Root Cause Analysis (Fishbone Diagram), and the Strategic Intervention Matrix.

- Comprehensive Answer Key & Rubrics: Contains exhibiting example rubrics at every stage (from Substandard to Advanced responses) so that grading is on the process of completion—this means your students know what to expect when working on this project!

- Teacher Implementation Guide: Provides suggestions on becoming a guide on the side to your students, how to manage issues that may arise throughout the project, as well as how to create psychological safety for your students.

Social Studies, Civics, Government, Leadership, Service-Learning, and Project-Based Learning (PBL) classrooms can benefit from using this resource to empower their students to positively impact the world around them. Download this resource today to begin developing the next generations of architects who will create social change!

Projects Based Learning, (PBL), Experiential Learning, Civic, Social Studies, Middle School, Community Service, Servic eLearning, Problem Solving/ Critical Thinking/ Designthinking, Student Workbook (and Teacherguide). This resource also contains Rubrics, No Prep needed, Printable, Leadership and Civic engagement.

What Makes It Good for Parents & Schools:

Teaches 21st Century Skills Through Real-Life Scenarios: This learning experience is much more than hand memorizing; it teaches students real life skills that they will use throughout highschool, college, and their professional lives, such as budgeting, project management, public speaking, and analyzing data.

Promotes Empathy and Civic Responsibility: Through class activities and community projects that are performed as a group and individulally, students will inherently develop a sense of empathy toward others and their community, realizing that they can and should take responsibility for helping bring about positive changes.

Develops Resiliency & Growth Mindset: The curriculum helps students change the way they think about challenges (obstacles) and how they see their own failure (a way to collect information for growth). Students will learn to be resilient, open and flexible to the change of environment/challenges, as well as to be perseverant in overcoming obstacles into adulthood.

Provides a Complete Package of A High-Quality, Cross-Curricular, and Academically Rigorou: The project consists of four major areas all integrated into one project: social studies, ie. civic mindedness; math, ie. development of budget(s); ELA, ie. persuasive writing skills; science, ie. collection of data. As a result, the project allows for multiplication of all of the classes learned as opposed to singularly focused learning.

Provides Everything Needed in a Complete Turnkey Package: When teachers receive the project; it includes a teacher guide, student workbooks, and visual aids, as well as description of the method to assess the student's work is extremely organized, easy-to-understand as well as easy to implement and to grade both substantively and fairly.

Intended Audience by Age Group: Age Breakdown Based on Content, Language and Express; Grades 6-8, (Middle School). Page 2 has an explicit mention of the "critical development window of grades 5-8". The task complexity (Budgeting, Stakeholder Analysis and System Thinking) fits perfectly within this age bracket particularly in 7-8 grade level.

Secondary Audience: Advanced 5th grade or as part of Introductory 9th/10th grade course work. Material is substantial enough to be used as a High School Freshman/Sophomore Civics, Government or Leadership Elective Course- and, an awesome resource for Gifted and Talented (of which there are many!) in Middle School.

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