1-R Places Second at Project Citizen
Students Learn About Public Policy
On November 24, two 1-R School teams composed of seventh and eighth graders and their sponsor, Mrs. Kathy Eirick, traveled to Lincoln to participate in the Project Citizen Showcase. Project Citizen, a program for middle and secondary students, is designed to help young people learn how to monitor and influence public policy. The showcase is held at the Nebraska State Capitol and is sponsored by the Center for Civic Education.
In preparation of the showcase, team members cooperatively identified a problem in their community in need of public policy. The 1-R teams identified the problems of “Cell Phone Use While Driving” and “Animal Abuse.” Each team researched the problem and considered two or three alternative policies they believed would be of benefit in changing current policy. From the alternative policies, the team chose one policy to become their team policy. Once the policy was chosen, an action plan was assembled. At the showcase, the teams defended their positions with the use of discussion boards, portfolios and oral presentations.
The students received an invaluable lesson in the political process, and in doing so, one team, addressing the problem of “Cell Phone Use While Driving,” placed second at the showcase. Both teams, however, can be proud of their excellent preparation and presentation. Team members are listed below.
Cell Phone Use While Driving: J. Byerly, N. Chitty, J. Kroeger, C. Kruse, C. Olsen, K. Peters, A. Scherer, Jordan W. and Evan W.
Animal Abuse: Abbie A., Allison B., Kelly B., Rachel H., Christopher H., Rachel J., Kylie L., Callie T. and Rylee W.
