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Be the Change!

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Lesson Plan

Be the Change: Solving Real-World Problems

Students will be able to apply a structured problem-solving model to a relevant social issue and propose a viable solution.

This lesson is important because it empowers students to tackle real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement. It provides a practical framework for addressing complex issues.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Students will learn and apply the IDEAL problem-solving model to a chosen problem.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Slide Deck: From Problem to Solution, Social Problem-Solving Worksheet, and "Solution Pitch" Planning Guide

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Review Social Issues (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  1. Begin by asking students to recall some of the social issues discussed in Unit 3. Write their responses on the board.
  2. Ask: "Why are these issues important to us?" and "What makes these problems difficult to solve?"

Step 2

Introduce the IDEAL Problem-Solving Model (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  1. Present the Slide Deck: From Problem to Solution.
  2. Introduce the IDEAL problem-solving model (Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Look Back).
  3. Explain each step clearly, using simple examples relevant to students' lives (e.g., a common school problem like littering, or a conflict between friends). Use the guiding questions on the slides to facilitate discussion for each step.
  4. Emphasize that problem-solving is a process and not always linear.

Step 3

Apply the Model: School or Community Problem (15 minutes)

15 minutes

  1. Distribute the Social Problem-Solving Worksheet.
  2. As a class, choose one simple, relevant school or community problem (e.g., crowded hallways, school lunch waste, lack of recycling bins) to work through the 'Identify' and 'Define' stages of the IDEAL model on the worksheet.
  3. Guide students to identify the problem and define its scope and root causes. Encourage them to think beyond surface-level issues.

Step 4

Brainstorm and Evaluate Solutions (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  1. Still working with the chosen problem, lead a brainstorming session for potential solutions (the 'Explore' stage).
  2. Discuss how to evaluate these solutions (e.g., feasibility, impact, resources needed).
  3. Briefly introduce the concept of developing a 'pitch' for the best solution.

Step 5

Introduce "Solution Pitch" Project (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  1. Hand out the "Solution Pitch" Planning Guide.
  2. Explain that for homework, or in a follow-up session, students will individually or in small groups choose a social issue from Unit 3 (or a new relevant one) and apply the entire IDEAL model to develop a 'Solution Pitch'.
  3. Briefly go over the expectations for the project as outlined in the "Solution Pitch" Planning Guide.
  4. Assign the project as homework and provide time for any initial questions.
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Slide Deck

From Problem to Solution

Let's explore how we can be the change!

Welcome students and introduce the day's lesson. Briefly recap discussions on social issues from Unit 3 to activate prior knowledge.

What's the Problem?

We all see problems around us, big and small.

  • How do we even begin to solve them?
  • What tools can we use?

Ask students: 'What are some problems you see in our school or community?' List their ideas on the board. Explain that today, we'll learn a way to tackle these problems.

The IDEAL Problem-Solving Model

A roadmap for finding solutions:

  • Identify
  • Define
  • Explore
  • Act
  • Look Back

Introduce the IDEAL model. Explain that it's a step-by-step approach to help us think clearly about problems and find good solutions.

I: Identify the Problem

What is the challenge you are facing?

  • What exactly is going wrong?
  • Who is affected by this problem?
  • Where and when does it happen?

Explain 'Identify.' Use an example like 'too much trash in the cafeteria.' Ask: 'What's the actual problem here?' Encourage students to go beyond the obvious.

D: Define the Problem

Get to the root cause!

  • Why is this problem happening?
  • What are the underlying causes?
  • What are the boundaries of the problem? (What can we realistically change?)

Explain 'Define.' For the 'cafeteria trash' example, ask: 'Why is there so much trash? Is it a lack of bins? Not enough time to clean? No one cares?' This leads to root cause analysis.

E: Explore Possible Solutions

Brainstorm, brainstorm, brainstorm!

  • What are all the different ways we could solve this?
  • Think creatively – no idea is too silly at first!
  • Consider different approaches.

Explain 'Explore.' Ask students to brainstorm solutions for the 'cafeteria trash' problem. Emphasize that all ideas are welcome at this stage.

A: Act on a Solution

Pick the best plan and make it happen!

  • Which solution is the most practical?
  • Which will have the biggest positive impact?
  • What steps do we need to take?

Explain 'Act.' Discuss how to choose the best solution from the brainstormed list. What criteria would they use (cost, effort, impact)?

L: Look Back and Evaluate

Reflect on your results.

  • Did your solution solve the problem?
  • What went well? What didn't?
  • What did you learn for next time?

Explain 'Look Back.' After implementing, it's important to reflect. Ask: 'Did our solution work for the cafeteria trash? What could we do better next time?'

You're a Problem Solver!

The IDEAL model can help you tackle any challenge.

Let's practice applying it together!

Remind students that problem-solving is a powerful skill they can use every day. Introduce the worksheet they will be working on next.

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Worksheet

Social Problem-Solving Worksheet: IDEAL Model

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Our Class Problem: (We will work on this together!)

What is one school or community problem our class wants to explore today?






I: Identify the Problem

What exactly is the problem? Describe it in detail.






Who is affected by this problem?



Where and when does this problem usually happen?



D: Define the Problem (Root Cause Analysis)

Why is this problem happening? What are the underlying reasons or root causes? (Think deeper than the first answer!)











What aspects of this problem can we realistically change or influence? What is not within our control?











E: Explore Possible Solutions (Brainstorming)

Based on our identified root causes, what are some different ideas for solving this problem? (Don't hold back – list as many as you can!)















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Project Guide

"Solution Pitch" Planning Guide

Project Goal: You will choose a real-world social issue that you care about and apply the IDEAL problem-solving model to develop and "pitch" a viable solution.

Project Steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Social Issue (I: Identify)

  • Think about the social issues we've discussed in class (from Unit 3) or other problems you see in your community, country, or the world.

  • Choose one issue that you are passionate about and want to solve.

  • My Chosen Social Issue:


Step 2: Understand the Problem Deeply (D: Define)

  • Root Cause Analysis: Why is this problem happening? What are the underlying causes, not just the symptoms? (e.g., If the problem is 'homelessness,' a root cause might be 'lack of affordable housing' or 'mental health support issues').

  • Impact: Who is affected by this problem, and how?

  • Scope: What aspects of this problem can realistically be addressed by a solution? What are the limitations?

  • Detailed Problem Description & Root Causes:










Step 3: Brainstorm and Evaluate Solutions (E: Explore)

  • Generate at least three different potential solutions to your problem.

  • For each solution, consider its pros (advantages) and cons (disadvantages).

  • Evaluate each solution based on:

    • Feasibility: Can it actually be done? What resources (time, money, people) are needed?
    • Impact: How much positive change will it create?
    • Sustainability: Can it continue to work over time?

  • Solution 1 Idea & Evaluation:





  • Solution 2 Idea & Evaluation:





  • Solution 3 Idea & Evaluation:





Step 4: Develop Your Best Solution (A: Act)

  • Based on your evaluation, choose the one solution you think is best.

  • Elaborate on this solution:

    • What are the specific steps to implement it?
    • Who would be involved?
    • What challenges might you face, and how would you overcome them?

  • My Chosen Best Solution & Implementation Plan:











Step 5: Plan Your Pitch (L: Look Back - for future evaluation)

  • Your final product will be a
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Be the Change! • Lenny Learning