We have combined Writer’s Workshop with the Public Issues in Michigan social studies unit. We are working on opinion pieces as it relates to a public issue. Our discussions have included public issues in Michigan, our responsibilities as citizens, and Core Democratic Values. There will be a test on Core Democratic Values on Friday, April 24th. 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.