Notes for Teachers

Social Security: A New Challenge for the 21st Century was designed by Carolyn O. Burleson as an educational resource for Social Studies and Language Arts.
 

Students will examine the importance of American Social Security System and its implications for their own future, and engage in creative problem solving to answer the Question

"How should the American Social Security System be structured to provide for its elders and disabled citizens?"

Students will write letters to elected officials to let their voices be heard on the issue of how to reform the Social Security System.

Learners

This lesson is anchored in high school Social Studies and involves Language Arts and Life Skills as well.

Prior to the lesson, teachers should familiarize students with the use of

bullet Thinking Maps® (tools for organizing their thoughts)

Wikepedia (an online editable encyclopedia)  A "wiki" is an online collaboration
tool that anyone can edit. When Students access this site, they can freely respond
to the questions and add their own content by clicking on the  "Edit this page" tab. 
No login is required. See the Wikipedia Tutorial to learn more.

Curriculum Standards

 California State Standards

History & Social Science

Principles of Economics

bullet Examine the causal relationship between scarcity and the need for choices.
bullet Historical Research, Evidence, and Point of View
bullet Students construct and test hypotheses; collect, evaluate, and employ information
from multiple primary and secondary sources; and apply it in oral and written
presentations.
bullet Historical Interpretation
bullet Students understand the meaning, implication, and impact of historical events and
recognize that events could have taken other directions.
bullet Students conduct cost-benefit analyses and apply basic economic indicators to
analyze the aggregate economic behavior of the U.S. economy.

Resources Needed

To implement this unit, you will need

bullet Computers with Internet access
bullet Word processing program
bullet Concept mapping software such as Mind Manager or Inspiration would be helpful.
bullet Scoring Guide for assessing the final project

Resource links are provided to use as you guide your students through the process to complete this WebQuest.