Mathematics & Religion Call to Action

In this section students will be challenged to put into action what they have learned in this unit to help solve a social justice issue and make a difference in their school, community, and/or the world.

Part A: Identify the Social Justice Issue

As a class we have been exploring climate change, specifically its impact and major contributors. Ask students to consider:

What about this issue needs to change?
Why is what is happening unjust?

- Why does this issue make you want to speak out and make a change?
- How can I rise to become a leader and begin to enact change?
- How can my teacher help mentor me with this process?

Part B: Review the Lessons & introduce the plan

Students will focus on information from the past few days and the resources that were examined.
Begin by having students become more aware of their school environmental footprint by gathering and graphing data related to ecofriendly supplies, travel, compost, recycling, energy waste, and/or heating and cooling systems in their school.
Then as a class participate in the Ecoschool certification program, through which schools reduce their environmental footprint.
Students will collaborate with key members of their school community (students, teachers, school administrators, custodians, and parents/guardians, etc.) to create an action plan and apply for certification by completing the actions outlined in the plan.
Schools build an EcoTeam to accomplish each action and the results of each action are recorded in the online EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA) to earn points.
At the end of the school year, your certification application is assessed and a certification level ranging from Bronze to Platinum is awarded.
Watch the webinar "Intro to EcoSchools" for an in depth overview of the program.
To register your school, visit the Ecoschool website.

Part c: Build a team & refine the action plan

Team composition can be decided by the teacher based on the needs and interests of the class.
Teams could be whole class, small groups, pairs, or made up of multiple classes working on the same project.
Teams can work on the suggested action plan or their own revised and approved action plan.
Students should complete the Action Project template.
Teachers determine due dates and important action project milestones dates.
Scaffold for students as much as necessary for individual and group needs.

*Dependent on the Ecoschool certification program parameters.

Part D: Spread the Word & tAke Action

Teams can choose to spread their word in a variety of ways (digitally or in person) to anticipate the day(s) of action (e.g. posters, infographics, announcements, advertisements on the school social media accounts).
When planning is complete, it is time to take action! All the planning has led to this action, remind students to follow their plan and to adapt where necessary (sometimes things happen that are out of our control).
Raising awareness and bringing about change are the most important action pieces for your event.
Students' individual performance can be assessed using the "Project Checklist." The teacher will use his/her discretion whether or not to provide a level, numeric or letter score if desired.

Part E: Scripture & reflection - Doing god's work to bring positive change in the world

1. Call to Action through Scripture

Read Jeremiah's Call and Commission (Jeremiah 1:4-10) as a class.

Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Then I said, "Ah Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I sent you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD."

Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

Discuss the importance of this scripture as God calls us all into relationship and into action:

When Jeremiah was a young man God tapped him on the shoulder and asked Jeremiah to take action and be God's voice in the world. Jeremiah responded to this call with, "Truly I do not know how to speak for I am only a boy." (verse 6) But, God gave Jeremiah the words and the ability to be courageous and take action.

Remember God's words to Jeremiah: "Do not say I am only a boy" (verse 7), especially when you need to do something difficult for the good of others. God wants you to know that you too are capable of bringing about positive change in the world. God knows what you are able to do, say, and be. All you need to do is listen to God. (Adapted from Catholic Youth Bible, 2013)

2. Call to Action through The Catholic Graduate Expectations

Briefly review the Catholic Graduate Expectations and discuss with the class their impact and learning from the action project. (CGEs five and seven lend themselves to connect to social justice work. However, read through the CGEs and select those that apply best to your students and their call to action.)

3. Reflection

Instruct students to reflect upon their call to action project as it relates to either the reading from Jeremiah, the Catholic Graduate Expectations, or both by completing the "My Reflection Exercise."

Project Resources

"Intro to EcoSchools," Ecoschools Canada: video

Ecoschools Canada: website

Action Project Template: Google Slide | PDF

Project Checklist: Google Slide| PDF

Catholic Graduate Expectations: PDF

My Reflection Exercise: Google Slide | PDF

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