Lesson Plan

Compass Exploration Outline

Guide the student to identify local community needs, plan a summer volunteer project, set personal social-emotional goals, and reflect on their learning to build self-awareness and civic responsibility.

This lesson empowers 11th graders to engage in meaningful community service, fostering empathy, initiative, and self-regulation while preparing them for real-world civic participation.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Objective Setting

5 minutes

Step 2

Explore Community Needs

15 minutes

Step 3

Volunteer Opportunity Planning

15 minutes

Step 4

Goal Setting & Rubric Review

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Cool-down

10 minutes

Step 6

Next Steps & Closing

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Local Impact Opportunities

Use a vibrant gradient background (#FF8C00→#FFA233→#FFB55F). Greet the student and explain that today they’ll explore 4 local causes with facts, volunteer roles, and reflection prompts.

Cause #1: Food Insecurity

Present the issue of food insecurity. Highlight local food bank statistics. Invite discussion: why is food security important?

Cause #2: Environmental Cleanup

Introduce environmental cleanup. Emphasize local parks and waterways. Ask: what skills would you practice cleaning a park?

Cause #3: Senior Support

Share the needs of seniors in local care homes. Discuss loneliness and social connection. Encourage empathy.

Cause #4: Youth Mentorship

Explain youth mentorship. Highlight after-school program benefits. Ask about leadership opportunities.

Your Next Steps

Guide student to choose top two causes and record notes. Use prompts to compare interests and strengths.

Lesson Plan

Compass Exploration Outline

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Introduction & Objective Setting

Step 2

Explore Community Needs

Step 3

Volunteer Opportunity Planning

Step 4

Goal Setting & Rubric Review

Step 5

Reflection & Cool-down

Step 6

Next Steps & Closing

Slide Deck

Local Impact Opportunities

Cause #1: Food Insecurity

Cause #2: Environmental Cleanup

Cause #3: Senior Support

Cause #4: Youth Mentorship

Your Next Steps

Project Guide

Rubric

Cool Down

Community Compass

ABernstein