World Issues Lesson

Preplanning tasks:
A.

Overview:
This lesson is designed to help students discover and learn about different world issues.
Many times, students do not recognize how big our world is and what challenges other
people face in other parts of the world. This lesson will help students recognize and learn
about these different situations and how it affects the way other people live their lives. In
small groups, students pick a topic that interests them. They then research the topic and
develop a plan of action to help resolve the issue. Students take this information and
their plan of action and present it in a Public Service Announcement video to share
with the class on informing everyone of the topic and one way it could be resolved or
reduced.

B.

North Dakota Social Studies Content Standards:

912.1.4
Use media (e.g., oral, written, websites, computer simulations, multimedia resources) to
access, record, analyze, and communicate information relating to social studies

Key terms and vocabulary:

-Global
-Issues
-Populations
List of prerequisite skills and knowledge:
It is helpful, but not necessary, that students have research skills and the communication
skills to present. They will also be using technology, the technology skills are also helpful
but not necessary.
C.

Rationale:
Students can benefit from this lesson in realizing and expanding their knowledge of the
world and their place in the world. Students can also realize the power of their choices
and actions by analyzing information and being creative with potential solutions.

D.

Materials and equipment:

Personal Learning Devices
Teacher computer / projector

Printouts:
World Issues: Defining World Issues and selecting your topic.
Research notes on BACK of Defining World issues.
Rubric / Expectations
Project
Websites:
http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/index.shtml
Source of Lesson:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/20-Time-Research-Project-Developing-aSolution-to-a-World-Issue-2093798
Options from the Website:
-Africa
-Agriculture
-AIDS
-Overpopulation*
-Global Warming

-Environment
-Food Crisis
-Oceans / Law of the Sea
-Terrorism
-Water Crisis

Day-to-Day:
Day 1 (Wednesday, April 6)
Objective: Students will work on the World Issues Unit
Activities: Defining world issues, topic selection
Day 2 (Thursday, April 7)
Objective: Students will work on the World Issues Unit
Activities: Research the world issue topic you selected (Day 1)
Day 3 (Friday, April 8)
Objective: Students will work on the World Issues Unit
Activities: Research the world issue topic you selected (Day 2)
Day 4 (Monday, April 11)
Objective: Students will work on the World Issues Unit
Activities: Start World Issues Plan of Action through the use of technology.
Day 5 (Tuesday, April 12)
Objective: Students will work on the World Issues Unit
Activities:
Present Plan of Action through the use of technology.
Have students print 3 copies of the slides. Have them color code what each person will
say during their groups public service announcement.

Day 6 (Wednesday, April 13)

Objective: Students will work on the World Issues Unit
Activities: Start work on Public Service Announcement
Day 7 (Thursday, April 14)
Objective: Students will work on the World Issues Unit
Activities: Continue to work on Public Service Announcement
Day 8 (Monday, April 18)
Objective: Students will work on the World Issues Unit
Activities: Presentation of Public Service Announcement to other groups

Research
(5 possible
points)

Very Good

Good

Developing

The research is clear and

connects to the topic we
chose.

The research is mostly clear and

connects to the topic we chose.

The research is unclear at

some points or not
relevant to the topic we
chose..

3 points

5-4 Points
Plan of Action
(10 possible
points)

The ideas and plan of

action is clear and
connects to the topic I
chose.
The plan is creative and
practical.

2- points

The ideas and plan of action are

mostly clear and connects to
the topic I chose.

The ideas and plan of action

are unclear or do not
connect to the topic I chose.

The plan is mostly creative and

practical.

The plan is not original or

thoughtful.

7-5 points

5- points

10-8 Points
Informational
Slides
(5 points)

The informational slide

follows the format that
was provided, is clear, and
looks professional.

The informational slide varies a

bit from the format that was
provided, is mostly clear, and
looks mostly professional.

3 points

5-4 Points
Public Service
Announcement
(10 points)

Our public Service

announcement accurately
defines what the world
issue is and what one
plan of action could be.

Our public Service announcement

mostly defines what the world
issue is or what one plan of
action could be (but could be
expanded on).

It is presented so someone
who does not know about the
topic can learn something
from the information.

The informational slide does

not follow the format that
was provided, is and is
unclear or looks
unprofessional.

2- points
Our public Service
announcement doesnt
define the problem or a
plan of action.
Or it is not presented in a way
that someone who does not
know the topic would learn
from.

10-8 Points
7-5 points
5- points
Presentation
(5 points)

Total:

Our group showed our

video and answered any
questions the class had.
5 Points

-----------------------

Our group didnt show our

video.
0 points

WORLD
ISSUES
Project
Directions: For this project, we will be thinking about some issues that happen
around the world. There are many issues that others face in the world that we
may not even know (or realize) about. Other countries handle these issues
differently because of their different cultures, ideas, views, or governments.
Expectations: You will work in small groups for this research. I will give you the
groups. You will research your topic, learn and understand more about the issue,
and create a possible solution to the problem. This project will require you to
think outside the box and develop knowledge about issues that exist not only in
your country, but around the world as well.
Tasks:

Defining World Issues and topic selection worksheet

Research worksheet
Plan of Action worksheet (potential solution to the world issue)
1 slide of information (Use format)
1 Public Service Announcement
Present the Public Service Announcement to the class!

35 POINTS TOTAL

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Research:
Fill out the World Issues: Defining World Issues and selecting your topic worksheet.
Fill out the World Issue Research Page to help you find details about your topic
You can use bullet points, (you dont have to use full sentences).
5 points __________/5
Plan of Action:
Brainstorm 3 potential solutions to your issue / topic. Pick the BEST one.
Create a detailed 5-step plan of action that explains the process in which the solution could
actually take place.
For each step, you need to consider if it is realistic and attainable.
These are hard topics... Be creative! Think outside the box!
Use your OWN words!
10 points __________/10
Informational Slides:
Save a copy of the slides template that was shared to you on Google Drive.
It is called World Issues Slide Template.
Fill in your information onto the slide.
First slide: What is your topic and some facts.
Second slide: What is your plan of action (solution) to the issue.
Information is CLEARLY stated.
Information is detailed enough to inform others on the topic.
5 points __________/5
Public Service Announcement:
All group members will participate in the public service announcement.
Your independent presentation should be a minimum of 3 minutes long.
You should cover all aspects of your project while maintaining a professional demeanor.
Eye contact, a clear voice, and grade level appropriate language should be used throughout the
entire presentation.
10 points __________/10
Presenting your Topic / Video :
Share your video to the class!
5 points __________/5

Teacher com m ents:

Total: ______/35

World Issue Research

Group:______________________________
WHAT is your world issue topic?_________________________________
WHO does your topic effect? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
WHERE is this issue occurring?__________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
WHEN did this issue start becoming a problem?___________________
_____________________________________________________________
WHY / HOW is this issue happening? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Facts:

1)________________________________________________________
2)________________________________________________________
3)________________________________________________________
4)________________________________________________________
5)________________________________________________________
6)________________________________________________________
7)________________________________________________________
Critical Thinking AFTER PLAN OF ACTION:
Does your plan require a lot of money? If so, where would this money come
from?__________________________________________________________________
Who would need to help with this plan in order for it to work?

Plan of Action

Goal (What needs to be stopped, reduced, or changed):_____________________

________________________________________________________________________
Three Potential Solutions:
1)______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2)______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3)______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
BEST Solution Choice:___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Action Steps:
What 5 steps will you take to solve this problem?
1)______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2)______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3)______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4)______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5)______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________