Overview:

As we study Asia, Africa and Latin America we seek people in particular need and help them by donating the proceeds of a car wash conducted near the end of the school year.

Objectives:

This is designed to put the geographic knowledge the students are gaining to immediate, practical use.  It also creates the realization that their efforts can make a difference in the world.

Grade Level:

The students must be old enough to effectively wash cars.  We do it in the 8^th grade, but older grades could do it as well.

Time: This project lasts all year, but probably takes the equivalent of four class days.

Subjects: Language Arts could use this project as part of a letter writing unit.

Prerequisites:  Nothing but generous hearts.

Required Materials

• Access to news sources is required. That can be newspapers, news magazines, television or the Internet.

Suggested Procedure (Pedagogy):

Suggested Procedure:

-Opening: Since I believe this should be student driven, I open the school year with pictures of previous car washes on the bulletin board.  Kids notice the pictures and ask about them.  I describe the situations in Sierra Leone and Honduras that prompted the car washes.  Some students have friends or siblings who have participated and have positive stories to relate.  I then ask if any students are interested in doing one this year.  Assuming a fair number say yes, I proceed.

Development: The first question is “Who should we help?”  I require that it be someone in the parts of the world we study: Asia, Africa,

Latin America and Oceania.  Begin by asking what criteria should be used to decide.  It may take a bit of time to decide.  After something approaching consensus is reached, place the criteria someplace where they can remain for the school year.   Through January, accept nominations from students. I give extra credit to students who make a nomination that meets the criteria.  These nominations may result from our study, a student’s personal knowledge or current events.

At the end of January allow each nominator to make their pitch, then conduct a vote.  After the students have decided where their help should go, the next challenge is to find an agency which can use the car wash proceeds to help your chosen beneficiaries.  This is the time to write letters.  Many English classes have a letter writing unit and coordinating with them is a good thing.  Students can research likely agencies such as the American Refugee Committee, Medicins sans Frontieres, the Carter Center, etc.  They can then write letters describing our project and asking if that agency has a program that fits.  Our district requires that students not use their home address in correspondence so the school’s address is used.  Students are excited when I say, “Jane Doe, you’ve got mail!”

After the beneficiary and the agency have been identified, it is time to get organized.  Create a car wash committee by having each class choose a responsible and willing representative.  I offer extra credit to committee members.  The committee will have to meet a few times before or after school to do the following things:

·        Decide what location(s) should be used.

·        Contact the businesses, ask permission and get a contact name.

·        Write a follow up letter confirming the date.

·        Create a flyer to advertise the event.

·        Call the local media for publicity if possible.

·        Create sign up sheets for workers and supplies.  About fifteen workers per location per shift is ideal.  Also, you can never have too many towels.

You will also need to create a parent permission slip and recruit some parents to help supervise.  You should also discuss appropriate dress for the event.

The week preceding the car wash, spend a day or two reviewing the facts about the beneficiary.  Make sure everyone is clear why we chose these people and why they need our help.  Some customers will surely ask.  Also make sure students know how to wash a car safely.  Finally, give the kids a day to make posters to hold pointing out the car wash and pray for good weather.

-Closing: On the day after the event let the students count the money.  If possible, arrange for a representative of the agency to come and receive the proceeds.  This is another opportunity for publicity.  Take pictures during the car wash and post them.  Kids love to see themselves in pictures.

Differentiation: None Needed.  I have asked the mentally challenged students to participate with their teacher and they have done an excellent job.  Many of their parents helped supervise because their children don’t often get asked to participate in school activities.

Suggested Assessment: Give extra credit to those who nominate a beneficiary and massive extra credit for those who are on the committee.  This is a voluntary Saturday activity so no mandatory assessment would be appropriate.

Credits

Ron Iverson, 8^th grade geography, Central Middle School, Eden Prairie, MN