Subjects/Issues Archives - Page 11 of 21 - Institute for Humane Education

Brainstorming a Social Business to Combat Poverty

Using Muhammad Yunus and his work as a model, students will explore the concept of social businesses and how such a model might be used to help alleviate poverty. Recommended for grades 9-12. Time: a few class periods

Racism Alphabet

Students explore examples of racism, consider perspectives about racism by writing a story, and discuss ways to eradicate racism in our society. Recommended for grades 8-12. Time: a few class periods

I Think Therefore I Act

Based on the Privilege Walk, this activity encourages students/participants to develop an awareness of the kinds of choices we make every day that impact other people, nonhuman animals, and the environment. Recommended for grades 9 and up. Time: A few class periods

Forests of the Future?

Help students learning English as a second language practice their skills and gain vocabulary by writing about a future scenario regarding Earth’s forests and what we can do now to protect our forest ecosystems. Recommended for grades 7-12. Time: 2 class periods

Pillars of Humane Education

This brief activity is a great icebreaker for groups of humane educators or student (or adult) solutionaries to help them define their visions. Recommended for grades 8 and up. Time: 30-45 minutes

Exploring Deforestation

Students explore global deforestation and its causes and consequences and consider solutions that do more good and less harm for all. Recommended for grades 6 and up. Time: A few days to several days

Beyond “Us and Them”

This activity encourages reflection on how each of us creates mental barriers between ourselves and those we see as “them” and how that lens can be a barrier to humane education or changemaking work; and to share strategies for realigning our “compass of compassion” to include everyone. Recommended for grades 9 and up. Time: 30-45…

What is Powerful?

This icebreaker activity helps students explore power and understand the systems in play that create and perpetuate privilege and oppression. Recommended for grades 5-8. Time: several days of a 45-minute class

Natural Value

Students reflect on an image that captures natural beauty and the intrinsic value that nature has in order to consider their own roles in protecting nature and to help nurture their sense of wonder. (As an alternative, students can do this activity focusing on an individual animal.) Recommended for grades 8-12. Time: 45 minutes

In Your Face: Reclaiming Billboards

Billboards are omnipresent in most communities and on many roadways. These in-our-face ads can have a powerful influence on us. Students explore issues surrounding billboards and the values billboard ads promote and design new billboards that help reclaim their visual space and restore value in their communities and culture. Recommended for grades 9 and up….