# Lesson Plan: Social Issues and Problems: Causes
### Subject: Social Studies
### Grade Level: Junior Secondary 1
### Duration: 60 minutes
### Objective:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define social issues and problems.
2. Identify common social issues and their potential causes.
3. Discuss the impact of these issues on individuals and society.
4. Think critically about ways to address and prevent social problems.
### Materials Needed:
1. Whiteboard and markers
2. Projector and computer
3. Handouts with brief descriptions of common social issues
4. Chart papers and markers
5. Sticky notes
6. Internet access (optional for additional research)
### Lesson Outline:
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Begin with a quick warm-up question: "What do you think is a social issue?" Allow a few students to share their thoughts.
- Define social issues: "Social issues are problems that influence a large number of individuals within a society."
- Provide some examples of social issues (e.g., poverty, homelessness, bullying, drug abuse, gender inequality).
2. **Main Content (30 minutes)**
- **Identify Common Social Issues (10 minutes)**
- Distribute handouts with descriptions of common social issues.
- Briefly go through each issue provided on the handout.
- **Group Activity: Causes of Social Issues (20 minutes)**
- Divide the class into small groups (4-5 students per group).
- Assign each group one social issue from the handout.
- Provide chart papers and markers to each group.
- Instruct each group to discuss and list possible causes of their assigned social issue on the chart paper.
- Encourage critical thinking and relate causes to larger social structures where possible (e.g., economic system, education, culture).
3. **Class Discussion (10 minutes)**
- Have each group present their findings to the class.
- Facilitate a discussion on the interconnectedness of social issues and their causes.
- Ask probing questions to deepen understanding (e.g., "How does poverty contribute to education inequality?").
4. **Impact Discussion and Critical Thinking (5 minutes)**
- Discuss how these social issues affect individuals and society as a whole.
- Use real-world examples (news stories, statistics) to highlight the impacts.
5. **Reflection and Closing (5 minutes)**
- Distribute sticky notes.
- Ask each student to write one idea on how to address or prevent a social issue discussed.
- Collect notes and read a few aloud.
- Summarize key points of the lesson and leave students with a thought-provoking question for further reflection: "How can you contribute to solving social issues in your community?"
### Assessment:
- Informal assessment during group presentations and class discussion.
- Review of sticky notes for understanding and engagement.
- Follow-up homework assignment: Write a short essay on a chosen social issue, its causes, and propose solutions.
### Additional Notes:
- Encourage respectful and open-minded discussions, acknowledging that social issues can be sensitive and complex.
- Provide additional support and resources for students who may need help in understanding the topics.
This lesson plan engages students in understanding the causes of social issues through collaborative activities, critical thinking, and class discussions.