### Lesson Plan: Civic Education – Cultism
**Grade Level:** Senior Secondary 1
**Subject:** Civic Education
**Topic:** Cultism
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**Lesson Duration:** 80 minutes
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#### **Objectives:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define Cultism.
2. Identify the causes and reasons for joining cults.
3. Understand the consequences of cultism on individuals and society.
4. Suggest ways to combat and prevent cultism.
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#### **Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer for a presentation (if available)
- Handouts on Cultism
- Case studies or real-life stories about the impact of cultism
- Pens and notebooks for students
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#### **Lesson Outline:**
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
a. Greeting and roll call.
b. Warm-up activity: Ask students what they know about cults and write down their responses.
c. State the objectives of the lesson.
2. **Direct Instruction / Teacher Input (20 minutes)**
a. Define Cultism: Explain what cultism is and provide examples.
b. Discuss the characteristics of cult groups.
c. Present the causes and reasons why individuals might join cults: peer pressure, desire for power, protection, sense of belonging, etc.
d. Use a PowerPoint presentation or handouts to provide visual aids and details.
3. **Guided Practice (15 minutes)**
a. Divide students into small groups and provide them with case studies or stories involving cultism.
b. Have each group discuss the causes, consequences, and how the situation could have been prevented.
c. Groups will present their findings and solutions to the class.
4. **Independent Practice (10 minutes)**
a. Ask students to write a short essay or a few paragraphs on "The impact of cultism on society and how to prevent it."
5. **Reflection and Discussion (15 minutes)**
a. Open the floor for a class discussion on the essays.
b. Encourage students to share personal experiences or observations related to cultism.
c. Discuss the role of family, schools, and community in combating cultism.
6. **Conclusion (5 minutes)**
a. Summarize the main points discussed during the lesson.
b. Reinforce the importance of saying no to cultism and making positive life choices.
c. Assign homework, such as researching an organization that works to combat cultism and presenting it in the next class.
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#### **Assessment:**
- Active participation during discussions and group activities.
- Quality and insightfulness of essays.
- Contribution to group presentations.
- Completion of the homework assignment.
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#### **Extension Activities:**
- Organize a guest speaker session with a law enforcement officer or a member of an anti-cult organization.
- Plan a student-led campaign or project to raise awareness about cultism in the school.
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#### **Homework:**
Research an organization that works to combat cultism, write a report, and be prepared to present your findings in the next class.
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#### **Note to Self:**
- Ensure a supportive and open environment for the discussion of sensitive topics.
- Be prepared to provide additional support or counseling resources for students who may be personally affected by the topic.
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By successfully delivering this lesson, students should gain a deeper understanding of the dangers of cultism, be able to recognize its signs, and be motivated to avoid involvement in such practices.