I incorporate community action projects into every part of my high school teaching. A community action project is a type of project-based learning in which students identify an issue in their community, research it, brainstorm solutions, create an action plan, and then put that plan into motion. These projects are a powerful form of self-directed, real-world service learning.
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One of my favorite aspects of project-based learning (PBL) is the use of community experts and partnerships. Using the community as a resource for PBL is valuable on a number of levels, as it makes learning more authentic and real-world focused. But how can students utilize community experts for project-based learning experiences? In what ways can learners use the community as a resource?
 “What are some effective group work strategies for students?” I’m asked this question a lot, and understand it well as a project-based educator. I’ve been through the ups and downs that come along with group projects, and as a result, have developed some group work strategies for effective collaboration. Let’s take a look.
Spring is the perfect time of year for citizen science! It's warming up outside, students are getting antsy and exhausted, testing is underway, and breaks are badly needed.
On top of that, things start to get active in the world of wildlife, especially in temperate regions like Minnesota. Animals emerge from hibernation, migrating species begin their long journeys to their summer sanctuaries, and it's breeding season for many organisms.  Community action projects are always a favorite personal learning experience for students, but they’re especially awesome at the end of the school year for several reasons!
 About ten years ago I picked up a book called "Half the Sky". Within the first chapter I read this quote: "More than 100 million women are missing..." at any given time. This is because of trafficking, gendercide, domestic violence, etc. This quote, and this book, really struck me. I mentioned it, and the PBS documentary that goes along with it, to a few of my high school students.
They were interested, largely because many of the issues resonated with them personally. These students led project-based learning experiences on some of the issues and shared their final products with the school community.  Looking for service learning project ideas for your high school students? Want them to get involved and give back this holiday season? Winter is a great time to do that. Community needs are in high demand during the winter. Check out some winter-inspired service-learning project ideas and examples to help you get started!
 I pride myself in creating classroom community in my experiential learning high school that is strong, positive, and trusting.
I don't claim to be fantastic at everything related to experiential learning, but I place priority on creating community in the classroom from day 1 of the learning year because it plays such an important roll in the experience as a whole.  The use of community experts is common place in project-based learning. But how do you communicate with and partner with community experts when you don't have the flexibility to leave the classroom or bring experts to you? Students do so virtually!
Community action projects have become a go-to experiential learning activity in my high school classroom.
I started implementing action projects for a variety of reasons. They get students involved in deep and meaningful learning by acting on community issues that matter to them. They learn because they're invested, and they've invested because they care about the issues. But what is a community action project and what are some ideas for action projects in your classroom, homeschool, or beyond? |
Blog IntentTo provide innovative educational resources for educators, parents, and students, that go beyond lecture and worksheets. AuthorSara Segar, experiential life-science educator and advisor, curriculum writer, and mother of two. 
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