Social Studies Lesson Plan

Overview: A Washington D.C.-area group stuffed its 1,000,000th CARE package since their program began in 2001. The packages contain toiletries, snacks, phone cards and thank-you notes from volunteers.

Suggested time allotment: One day to read the Web sites and gather information. Then one class period to discuss the impact such volunteering has and plan a volunteering program for the school.

Objectives

Students will:

1. Read the links below.
2. Find any local USO groups.
3. Discuss with someone at the local organization what a school class could do.
4. Develop a plan and put it into action

Curriculum Standards from the National Council for the Social Studies: Thematic Strands, from “Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies.”
• X – Civic ideals and practices. Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship in a democratic republic….High school students increasingly recognize the rights and responsibilities of citizens in identifying societal needs, setting directions for public policies, and working to support both individual dignity and the common good. They learn by experience how to participate in community service and political activities and how to use democratic process to influence public policy.


Resources and materials:
Web sites with information:
• The main USO site gives the mission and links to local organizations.
|view website |


• Explore other parts of the site, including the “media room,” which includes fact sheets.
| view website |

• Also find contacts for your state. If you live in Ohio, that is
| view website |
• Read about the specific group that top one million in packages on Department of Defense Web site: American Supports You: Washington USO Packs Millionth Care Package,” by Carmen L. Burgess, American Forces Press Service, Nov. 11, 2006.
| view website |