Teacher Process
Click here to access a printable version of this lesson plan on the World Wise Schools website.
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Advance preparation: Preview World Wise Schools' Global Issues page on poverty, including the introductory video to poverty as a global issue.
1. Begin by discussing students' background knowledge related poverty in their own community, the U.S., and the world. What are the challenges for people who live in poverty? Why is it an urgent issue to address?
2. Explain to students that they will be engaging in a WebQuest, in which they will take the role of a Peace Corps Volunteer working to alleviate poverty in their host community by developing a product or service to help generate income. If students are unfamiliar with Peace Corps, view the video A Legacy of Service.
3. In the computer lab, direct students to the Rising Out of Poverty WebQuest. On the Student Page, read the Introduction and Task sections together, demonstrating how to navigate through the WebQuest and collect information requested on the data collection sheet.
4. Allow time for students to work on the WebQuest independently, in pairs, or in small groups. Provide assistance to students as needed during their work time.
5. Once all student groups have completed the Procedures section and previewed the Evaluation section, invite groups to present their income-generation ideas to the class. While presenters take the role of Peace Corps Volunteers, the audience can take the role of community members asking questions about the plan.
6. Use the questions in the Conclusion section of the WebQuest to guide a class discussion, or ask for students' verbal or written reflections.
