A Civics Lesson - Inspiring Students to Become Active Citizens

Students from a Chicago charter school traveled to the deep South to learn about the civil rights movement from those who, as children themselves, marched against segregation. But this was much more than a hands-on history lesson. It was designed to encourage the students to become active citizens themselves, to work to solve the problems they and their communities face today. Civics education like this is a key part of the curriculum at Polaris Charter Academy. As educator Francesca Peck told the students, “We are here to answer the question: How do members of a community affect change?” The message resonated. As one 6th grader told us, everyone has a voice and they need to be heard.