This unit begins by inviting students to tell the story of their community using artifacts from Washington's history. This allows them to reflect on shared values as well as how people have organized to advocate for those values. Then, students explore how rights are established in their community by analyzing the Washington State Constitution, the Puyallup Tribe Constitution, and the Treaty of Medicine Creek. Next, students investigate four different historic examples of how people have advocated for their rights and values in their community and choose one to research in further depth. In the final phase of the unit, student teams develop an advocacy campaign for a right that is currently being challenged. They conduct research on an issue of their choice, create and execute an action plan, and participate in an advocacy fair to campaign for change in their community. Finally, students draw on what they've learned to answer the unit driving question: "Why do people advocate for issues in their community?"

How can we design communities that are safe for people?In this unit, students delve into urban design through a practical lens. The unit launches with students assessing pedestrian safety through a neighborhood walk, evaluating safety features and identifying potential enhancements, concluding with a calculated walk safety score for their routes. Students then utilize the engineering design cycle to draft solutions for pedestrian safety challenges they discover in their community through virtual walks using Google Earth and Street View. Student urban design teams prepare to showcase their proposals for safer community spaces by incorporating peer feedback into their designs and developing map models that clearly communicate how their solutions will increase pedestrian safety. This unit culminates in an Urban Planning Exhibition, where students present their safety recommendations, aiming to inspire real-world change in their communities.

How can we help keep our community safe from wildfire smoke?In this unit, students delve into wildfire science, exploring factors that influence wildfires and smoke through a Gallery Walk and multimedia activities. They analyze regional wildfire history and investigate how winds carry smoke through informational texts, interpreting wind barb maps and understanding the Air Quality Index. Students then learn about the body's defenses against air pollution by constructing respiratory system models to demonstrate these defenses. As teams, students employ their analytical and creative skills to design public service announcements, synthesizing their learning to educate the community on the effects of wildfire smoke, prevention, and safety strategies during smoke events. These PSAs represent their understanding and response to the unit driving question allowing them to leave a meaningful and educational impact on their community.