Posted by: Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
3/11/2008 4:51:18 PM


Title: Changing the World: Social Entrepreneurs Part Two
Grade Level: High School
Subject Area: Language Arts
Social Studies
Lesson Time: Two fifty-minute class periods
Introduction: Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum’ s Design for the Other 90% exhibition demonstrates how design can be a dynamic force in saving and transforming lives, at home and around the world. Of the world’ s total population of 6. 5 billion, 5. 8 billion people, or 90%, have little or no access to most of the products and services many of us take for granted; in fact, nearly half do not have regular access to food, clean water, or shelter. Design for the Other 90% explores a growing movement among designers to design low-cost solutions for this “ other 90%. ” In this two-part lesson, students will examine the world of social entrepreneurs and their efforts to create positive change in society.
Standards:
Reading
Standard 7. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts 1. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand a variety of informational texts (e. g. , textbooks, biographical sketches, letters, diaries, directions, procedures, magazines, essays, primary source historical documents, editorials, news stories, periodicals, catalogs, job-related materials, schedules, speeches, memoranda, public documents, maps)
Writing
Standard 1.   Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process 5. Uses strategies to address writing to different audiences (e. g. , includes explanations and definitions according to the audience's background, age, or knowledge of the topic, adjusts formality of style, considers interests of potential readers)
Working With Others
Standard 1. Contributes to the overall effort of a group
Economics
Standard 10. Understands basic concepts about international economics Understands that increasing international interdependence causes economic conditions and policies in one nation to affect economic conditions in many other nations
Business Education
Standard 16. Knows characteristics and features of viable business opportunities Standard 17. Understands that cultural difference, export/import opportunities, and current trends in a global marketplace can affect an entrepreneurial venture
Geography
Standard 11. Understands the patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface
Objectives:

Students will:

•   investigate the Design for the Other 90% exhibition •   conduct Internet research •   participate in small-group and large-group discussion •   work collaboratively in small groups •   create a class seminar presentation
Resources:
  • “ Social Entrepreneur Seminar” handout (attached)
  • Internet Web sites
Materials: Computer with Internet access
Vocabulary: Students in this age group should be familiar with all words used.
Procedures:
Building Background Activity One: Learning About the Social Entrepreneurs
The purpose of this activity is to give students an opportunity to learn about the work of social entrepreneurs.

1. As a class, visit the following PBS Web site on social entrepreneurs at https://www. pbs. org/opb/thenewheroes/meet/index. html . Click on the sections entitled “ How Social Entrepreneurs Are Different, ” “ The Objectives of Social Entrepreneurship, ” and “ The Challenges Facing Social Entrepreneurs. ”   2. Divide the class into small groups. Tell each group to research the social entrepreneur listed below its name and create a brief presentation about the person for the class.

Group One: Dr. Muhammad Yunus

•   https://www. pbs. org/opb/thenewheroes/meet/yunus. html

•   https://www. worldfoodprize. org/laureates/Past/1994. htm

•   https://www. pbs. org/opb/thenewheroes/meet/index. html

Group Two: David Green

•   https://www. pbs. org/opb/thenewheroes/audio/green1. html

•   https://www. project-impact. net/david. htm

Group Three: Ron Rivera “ Potters for Peace”

•   https://other90. cooperhewitt. org/Events/design-for-the-other-90-symposium (Scroll to Ron Rivera. )

•   https://209. 85. 173. 104/search?q=cache:Lf-m1tI3-EgJ:pottersforpeace. org/wp-content/uploads/mission-statement. pdf+ron+rivera+potters+for+peace& hl=en& ct=clnk& cd=5& gl=us& client=safari

Provide time for each group to share its presentation.

Activity Two: Exploring the Design for the Other 90% Resources
The purpose of this activity is for students to learn about the companies listed on the resource section of the Design for the Other 90% exhibition.

1. Divide the class into small groups. Visit the list of companies in the resource section of the Web site at https://other90. cooperhewitt. org/resources/ . Have each group research five companies or organizations and write a brief paragraph explaining their missions and goals.

2. Compile a class resource of all the company and organization descriptions to use in the next part of the lesson.

Steps for Learning Activity One: Seminar Design
The purpose of this activity is for students to design a seminar on social entrepreneurship.

1. Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a copy of the “ Social Entrepreneur Seminar” handout.

2. Invite others in the school and community to view the students’ seminar.

3. After the seminar presentations, lead a class discussion based on the following questions:

•   What did you learn from your classmates’ presentations? •   What was the best part of each presentation? •   How did the presentations highlight different aspects of social entrepreneurship? •   What different methods did your classmates use in their presentations?
Assessment:

Create a class rubric with your students that will help them understand the effectiveness of their work. Use the following guidelines to help create the rubric.

-Rate the effectiveness of your presentations on social entrepreneurs. -Rate the effectiveness of your class resource compilation. -Rate the effectiveness of your brainstorming. -Rate the quality of your analysis of the elements needed to create your seminar. -Rate the creativity of your presentation. -Rate the overall quality of your presentation. -Rate how well your group was able to collaborate.
Enrichment
Extension Activities:
Microfinance
Encourage your students to learn about microfinance. Have them use the following resources to begin researching:
•   Time Magazine “ Lending A Hand” https://www. time. com/time/magazine/article/0, 9171, 1607256, 00. html

•   Kiva. org www. kiva. org

•   The Heifer Foundation https://www. heifer. org/site/c. edJRKQNiFiG/b. 204586/k. 9430/Gift_Catalog. htm?msource=kw1841
Teacher Reflection: N/A.
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