Class Action: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Decide on your challenge problem or question
As a class (or as an interested group of students), brainstorm issues that you’d like to address. What are ways you can help out in your community?
Example: What is pet overpopulation and what can we do about it?
2. Research/Inquiry
After you’ve selected your central problem or question, have student come up with deeper questions to help with the inquiry process. After a brainstorming session, students can begin to research answers through books, the Internet, and field-based interviews with experts, service providers, and others that are impacted by the challenge or problem. Keep these driving questions close by and refer to them throughout the inquiry process.
Example: Pet Overpopulation
- What is pet overpopulation?
- Why is it a big problem?
- Who does it impact?
- What is being done about it in my community?
- What is being done about it in other communities?
3. Choose a Direction
How would you like to address your problem or challenge? What way(s) could your class make a difference? Brainstorm ideas and as a class or group, pick which project you’d like to do. Click here for project ideas.
Example: Ways to help with pet overpopulation
- Make pamphlets or posters on the importance of spaying/neutering pets for the school and community
- Raise funds for the local shelter that helps unwanted pets
- Write letters to local government to create or amend animal bylaws in your community
…then pick a project!
4. Define Project Goals & Identify Needs and Challenges
Take time to describe your project and outline the project goals (so that all group members are on the same page). Next, create a list of what is needed for the project. Think about things such as expenses, materials, expert advice, and adult help. Then list all the challenges or barriers that might delay the project or prevent it from being a success.
5. Put Your Goal into Action
Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done to reach your goal. Then list who will be in charge of each task and make sure to include timelines so that the project keeps moving forward. Try to address all the needs and challenges you identified in the previous step.
6. Public Project Unveiling
Upon culmination of your project, show it to the public! This could include displaying posters in the school and community or a presentation at an assembly with invited guests. By creating a public product, students are often more motivated to produce high quality work. This also adds authenticity to project. Take pictures along the way to include in the school newsletter or website and send some to the Alberta SPCA to be including with your mark on the Kindness Map.
Notes for the teacher:
Before embarking on this project, identify areas of the curriculum that this project will incorporate. There will likely be many, so focus on a select few that you can assess along the way.
For more information or guidance on project-based learning visit the Buck Institute for Education website.
