U.N. Goals PSA

1. Project Summary

• Grade Levels: 3rd to 8th Grades
• Theme: Advocacy, Research, and Digital Media
• Objective: Students design a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about a United Nations (UN) Global Goal, focusing on raising awareness and promoting solutions. The PSA incorporates persuasive and narrative writing, supported by research, and is presented in a creative, shareable format.
• Duration:
• Full Project: 3 weeks, 30-45 minutes per day
• Mini-Project: 5-7 days, 30-45 minutes per day
• Sprint: 2-3 days, 45-60 minutes per day

2. Standards Alignment

NGSS Standards

• MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem to ensure a successful solution, considering scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the environment.
• Application: Students identify global challenges related to a UN Goal and define the parameters for an effective PSA.
• MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
• Application: Students compare approaches to communicating their PSA message for maximum impact.
• MS-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among design solutions to identify optimal characteristics.
• Application: Students review PSA drafts to refine content and delivery for clarity and impact.
• MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model for iterative testing and modification of a process or design to achieve optimal results.
• Application: Students prototype, revise, and finalize their PSAs based on peer and teacher feedback.

Common Core ELA Standards

• Writing:
• W.6.2–W.8.2: Write informative texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.
• W.6.4–W.8.4: Produce clear, coherent writing appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
• W.6.7–W.8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question or solve a problem.
• Reading:
• RI.6.1–RI.8.10: Analyze and evaluate informational texts to extract key details and integrate multiple sources.
• Speaking & Listening:
• SL.6.1–SL.8.6: Engage in collaborative discussions, present findings, and adapt speech to different contexts.

Common Core Math Standards

• Statistics and Probability:
• 6.SP.5–8.SP.4: Summarize and interpret data collected through surveys or research to support PSA arguments.

3. Thematic Connections

• Science Concepts:
• Sustainability: Explore scientific principles related to climate change, health, clean water, and other UN Goals.
• Data Interpretation: Analyze statistics and data to highlight the significance of the chosen goal.
• Math Integration:
• Graphing and analyzing survey results to include data-driven arguments in the PSA.
• Social Studies Integration:
• Research historical and contemporary issues related to global challenges.
• Analyze how local, national, and international efforts contribute to achieving UN Goals.
• ELA Integration:
• Writing persuasive scripts and narratives for the PSA.
• Synthesizing information from multiple sources for a compelling message.

4. Benefits of Project-Based Learning

Grades 3-5

• Awareness and Empathy: Encourages students to consider the impact of global challenges on individuals and communities.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Develops skills in proposing realistic solutions to real-world problems.
• Collaboration: Builds teamwork skills as students work in design teams to create their PSA.

Grades 6-8

• Critical Analysis: Encourages deeper investigation into systemic issues and their underlying causes.
• Media Literacy: Develops understanding of how digital media can influence opinions and drive action.
• Leadership and Communication: Provides opportunities for students to advocate for change through creative expression.

5. Additional Benefits

• Engagement: The relevance of global challenges inspires motivation and curiosity.
• Real-World Application: Demonstrates how students can use knowledge and skills to address meaningful issues.
• Skill Development: Enhances research, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.

6. Implementation Examples

• Week 1:
• Introduce the UN Goals and select a goal to focus on.
• Begin researching the chosen goal and formulating questions to guide inquiry.
• Discuss survey design and collect data on community awareness of the issue.
• Week 2:
• Analyze research and survey data to identify key messages for the PSA.
• Create a storyboard or script for the PSA.
• Develop the PSA using persuasive and narrative strategies.
• Week 3:
• Revise and finalize the PSA based on feedback.
• Present PSAs to classmates, teachers, or community members.
• Reflect on the process and the impact of their message.

7. Why This Project is Perfect for Grades 3-8

• Grades 3-5: Introduces advocacy and systems thinking in an accessible way, encouraging creative problem-solving and empathy.
• Grades 6-8: Allows for in-depth research, media literacy development, and advanced communication skills while fostering leadership.

The "UN Goals" project empowers students to become advocates for global change while developing critical 21st-century skills.