How do I choose a topic to investigate?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can choose an appropriate topic that will make a difference.
Key learning points
- Choose a topic that connects clearly to a key idea or value of citizenship you've studied in class.
- Make SMART goals to ensure your actions are focused, achievable, and meaningful for your chosen issue.
- Educate others and raise awareness to shift opinions and communicate with decision makers to share your ideas.
- Reember that the difference you make could be suble, but this is stil valuable.
- Fundraising is helpful, but combine it with awareness to make a real and lasting impact.
Keywords
Appropriate - suitable and relevant to the issue, community, and your ability to take action
Action - practical steps designed to try to raise public awareness or influence key decision-makers
Difference - a positive impact or change that addresses a real need or improves the situation
Common misconception
Young people can't make a real difference in society or influence decision-makers.
Young people can create change by raising awareness, educating others, and working with leaders or organisations.
Teacher tip
Look at famous examples of changemakers e.g. Gina Martin, and ask pupils how and why her issue was appropriatte, and how she ensured a difference was made. They could also identity how her targets were SMART.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Order the words to complete this definition of the word, skills. Skills are abilities or expertise gained through...
Q2.A person who takes responsibility, becomes involved in areas of public concern and tries to make a positive difference in their community is known as a what?
Q3.What will a changemaker do with others?
Q4.Match the skill to its description.
looking at blogs, websites, news articles and asking people questions
getting others to agree with your viewpoint and support your action
considering what went well and what could be improved
having the courage to do what is needed, even if you feel nervous
Q5.Resilience could be described as, a bit like...
Q6.If a group are working on an active citizenship project together and needs to make decisions fairly, what citizenship concept could help them?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is step one of your active citizenship project?
Q2.Which is not an appropriate issue to tackle for your project?
Q3.Democracy, government, law, justice, rights and responsibilities, media, participation, community, equality, identities and diversity are all examples of citizenship...
Q4.What is the final step of your active citizenship project?
Q5.What does the S in SMART target stand for?
Q6.What does the T in SMART target stand for?
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: How do I choose a topic to investigate?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: How do I choose a topic to investigate?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the How can I be a changemaker in my community? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.