We are currently focusing on two social studies units. Mrs. Flory is talking about the history of Michigan with the students and in my class we are talking about public issues in Michigan, our responsibilities of citizens, and Core Democratic Values. There will be a test on Core Democratic Values next Friday, April 25th. For extra review, please click on the picture below for flashcards:

What are Public Issues?

• Issues are things that people disagree about.
• Public issues are issues that affect a large group of people such as school, community, or state.
• Many times people disagree about how to settle, or resolve public issues.

Why do people disagree on public issues?

• People have different points of view about public issues.
• To understand an issue, you need to look at different points of view.
• Disagreements about public issues are related to core democratic values.
• Core democratic values are things people believe in that bring people together as Americans.
• Some examples of core democratic values are freedom, fairness, and the common good.

Exploring a Public Issue Facing Michigan Citizens

• One problem facing Michigan is our growing use of energy.
• It is important to develop new sources of renewable energy to supply our energy needs.
• Wind farms are a good source of clean, renewable energy.
• Winds are often the strongest off the shorelines of the Great Lakes.
• People disagree over whether or not to allow wind farms in the Great Lakes.

Evaluating Possible Resolutions of Public Issue Facing Michigan Citizens

• People have different viewpoints about how to solve or settle a public issue.
• Understand an issue, citizens need to look at different viewpoints about the issue.
• Understand an issue, citizens also need to think about how core democratic values are connected to the issue.
• When citizens understand an issue, they can make better decisions about how to solve the issue.