Lesson 6:

What Is the End Goal for Positive Impact?

Learning Targets

Students will begin with the end in mind. Learners create an end goal for the class project(s) that will make an impact on the local, national, or global level.

Duration 20–30 MINS

Downloads Lesson Plan, Presentation, Philanthropic End Goals - Student Worksheet & Design Thinking Worksheet

Materials Student Worksheet, Presentation Slides, Electronic Devices with Wi-Fi (one per group)

Downloadable Materials

Lesson Plan: What Is the End Goal for Positive Impact?

The lesson opens with a natural disaster scenario and a writing prompt. Then the class is divided into six groups, each assigned to research a nonprofit category (Kids, Animals, Medical, Environmental, Food, Housing) and develop 1–2 service project ideas. The class votes on a project they would like to put into action.

Presentation: What Is the End Goal for Positive Impact?

Opens with a shared-struggle warm-up and transitions to nonprofit research across six cause categories. Features structured discussion: 'What is your end goal? How will our project impact others — and you?' Guides students toward committing to a class project with a clear intended impact.

Activity: Philanthropic End Goals - Student Worksheet

Planning worksheet with warm-up prompt about shared struggles, space to record nonprofit name and mission, and two project idea sections with materials lists. Helps students evaluate research and commit to a service project aligned with the group's passion and mission statement.

Activity: Design Thinking Worksheet

Five-stage design thinking framework (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) applied to class project planning. Ensures the chosen project is grounded in empathy, clearly defines the problem, generates multiple solutions, and includes a built-in feedback loop for improvement.

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.