About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the various roles of professionals who work in the community. While the focus of this inquiry is limited primarily to first responders, teachers could expand the discussion to include other community helpers or “school helpers” such as the custodial staff, cafeteria staff, librarians, etc. By focusing on aspects of their jobs that are difficult and even dangerous, students have an opportunity to develop empathy and respect for individuals in their community by examining their roles in a new light.

Compelling Question

How do my actions matter to my community?

Staging Question

Discuss what it means to be a community and help a community by asking students foundational questions about importance of communities, and their background knowledge about community helpers in their lives.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Do community helpers ever need our help? Construct an argument (e.g., a sentence with a picture, a poster) that evaluates the need to study, remember, and/or celebrate this expedition using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: As a class or individually, have students create thank-you cards for a community helper of their choice in their own city. Encourage them to complete one of the acts of service they circled on their formative assessment.

Taking Informed Action

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