Lesson Plan Title : A Place for the Homeless

Age Range: Grade 9 through Grade 12 (High School)

Overview and Purpose: This social awareness project helps students to be more aware of the plight of the homeless in their community. They are asked to research the avenues available to homeless people and decide if they feel enough is being done to help them.

Objective: The student will be able to understand what the needs of the homeless are during the winter months and research one service that is available to the homeless in their city.

Resources:

Internet access for each group of students

Activities:

Talk with the students about what they think it is like to be homeless during the winter months. Discuss what needs the homeless may have and what options are available to them. Have the students use the Internet to research one social service that is available and write a report on it. Encourage students to contact the agency and interview one of the employees. They may even want to visit or volunteer there. Have the students present their reports to the class. Discuss as a class whether they feel enough is being done to meet the needs of the homeless in their city.

Wrap Up:

Depending on the resources available, you may want to schedule a field trip to a social service agency or homeless shelter. If the students feel enough is not being done and have ideas, they can be encouraged to develop a plan of action and present it to the appropriate community leaders.