Lesson 5:

What Is Your Plan to Make a Difference NOW?

Learning Targets

Synthesize knowledge of students' skills and other resources to create action ideas for making a difference.

Duration 20–30 MINS

Downloads Lesson Plan, Presentation, Make a Difference Now - Student Worksheet & Design Thinking Worksheet

Materials Student Worksheet, Paper and Art Supplies, Thumb Tacks (optional), Presentation Slides

Downloadable Materials

Lesson Plan: What Is Your Plan to Make a Difference NOW?

Creative lesson inspired by siblings who recycled 15 million cell phones over 10 years. Students form groups around shared passions and create project flyers to motivate others to join their mission.

Presentation: What Is Your Plan to Make a Difference Now?

Features the recycled cell phones video and flyer creation guidance. Prompts students to work in groups or solo with four tasks: summarize the idea, identify helpers, list tools, and create the flyer. Includes a sample flyer as a design model.

Activity: Make a Difference Now - Student Worksheet

Planning worksheet with warm-up prompt about helping one person vs. fifty, space for the group project idea and marketing plan, and structured sections for how students will get the word out. Designed to connect passion and mission to actionable project concepts.

Activity: Design Thinking Worksheet

Five-stage design thinking framework (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) to guide students through structured problem-solving. Each stage provides labeled space for who to help, the problem statement, brainstormed solutions, chosen approach, and results evaluation.

Need Ideas? See What's Possible.

From aluminum foil cat toys to 3D-printed medical devices, students across the country are turning their passions into powerful community impact. The Project Ideas section showcases real student projects organized by cause—complete with book recommendations, downloadable activities, and partner connections. Whether your students care about animals, the environment, seniors, or social justice, you'll find concrete examples and practical resources to spark their next meaningful project.