Service Learning: Ready to Learn?, Students, Understanding Business and Personal Law

Service Learning: Ready to Learn?

Select a service learning activity that is correlated to the chapter topics in your textbook in the drop down menu below.

Chapter 1: Ethics and the Law
Adopt a Pet
Do you plan to adopt a pet? What are your responsibilities as a pet owner? How much will it cost to own a pet? These are all questions you will have to answer before you adopt that cute little dog or cat from the animal shelter. Even if the pet you plan to adopt is a fish or turtle, there will be expenses involved.

Activity: Imagine you are going to adopt a pet. Research the animal you would like, the costs involved, and your responsibilities to the pet. Present your findings to the class.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.petfinder.com
(A Web site dedicated to the adoption of homeless pets)

Chapter 2: The Court System
Violence in School
After the Columbine incident, many students have become activists in their schools to make sure something as tragic doesn’t happen to them. Why do you think students turn violent? What do you think would make them shoot other students and teachers?

Activity: In a group, talk about school violence and try to answer the two questions above.

Use this Web site to help in your discussion: http://www.mentalhealth.org/schoolviolence/
(A Web site dedicated to preventing school violence)

Chapter 3: Criminal Law
Crime and Punishment
Serving on a jury and making decisions that will affect another person’s future can be difficult. Yet as American citizens, it is our duty to take an active part in the criminal justice system. How do you feel about being called as a juror? Do you think it is possible to be impartial when serving as a juror?

Activity: Write a paragraph stating your opinion about the American jury system. Is it fair? Why or why not?

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.crfc.org/americanjury/
(An online resource guide for teachers, students, and citizens explaining the American jury system)

Chapter 4: The Law of Torts
Student Privacy
Have you ever had your bags searched at the airport? Since the war on terrorism, the searching of suitcases, briefcases, purses, and your person has become more common. How do you feel about searching one’s personal property in the name of safety for all? Is there any difference between searching your locker at school and searching your suitcase at the airport?

Activity: With a partner, discuss the searching of personal property.

Use this Web site to help with your discussion:
http://www.asbj.com/199804/0498schoollaw.html
(An article in the American School Board Journal archives)

Chapter 5: How Contracts Arise
Student Loans
You probably have begun to think about whether you will be going to college. Maybe you want to become a lawyer or a teacher. Do you know how much it costs to go to college? For many students, their parents will be able to pay for it. For others, however, student loans might be the only way.

Activity: Choose two colleges that you might consider attending after you graduate from high school. Find out how much it costs to attend. Make sure you figure tuition, room, board, and books.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/eduhome.htm
(A Web site sponsored by U.S. News that allows for interactive searching of colleges)

Chapter 6: Genuine Agreement
Voidable Contracts
Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating. Perhaps you know someone with this disease. Can you imagine not being able to handle your day-to-day activities? Currently, medical researchers are conducting studies to find out what causes Alzheimer’s disease, how it might be prevented, and eventually develop a vaccine to prevent it.

Activity: Research Alzheimer’s disease. Share your findings with the class.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.alzheimers.org/
(The Web site for the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center)

Chapter 7: Capacity to Contract
Draft Registration
When a young man turns 18, he must register with the Selective Service System. This system provides our country with guidelines to provide a draft if necessary. Some men choose to register as conscientious objectors because they do not believe in the military or fighting in a war. Do you think it is fair that our country offers this option? Do you think it is fair that only men are required to register?

Activity: With a partner, discuss the questions above.

Use this Web site to help with your discussion:
http://www.sss.gov/
(The Web site of the Selective Service System)

Chapter 8: Consideration
Gifts
The United Nations estimates that 34,000 children die each day from causes related to hunger and poverty. That number seems overwhelming, but there are ways you can help. Get involved in a local food bank or soup kitchen in your community. Help raise money for world hunger organizations. Give the gift of food.

Activity: Research world hunger and create a flyer with information you can share with other students in your school.

Use this Web site to help in your research:
http://www.unicef.org/
(The Web site of UNICEF)

Chapter 9: Legality
Politically Correct
Do you ever find yourself complaining about school lunches, school rules, or just school in general? Many students complain, but only a few get involved to try and fix the problems. Are you a member of the Student Council? Are you a class representative? As citizens, we complain as well. We don’t like the roads, the taxes, or some of the laws. By becoming involved in politics, we can make a difference.

Activity: If you are not a member of Student Council, how can you help fix a school problem? If you are not involved in a political campaign, what can you do about something you don’t agree with in your community? Discuss these questions with a partner.

Use this Web site to help in your discussion:
http://dsa.principals.org/nasc/index.html
(The Web site for the National Association of Student Councils)

Chapter 10: Form of a Contract
Debt
Many credit card companies target recent high school graduates and college students. These companies don’t seem to care whether you have a job or the ability to make the credit card payment at the end of each month. Some companies assume that your parents will pay the bill if you don’t. Many young people in their early 20s are so deep in debt that they have to declare bankruptcy.

Activity: Make a list of things you will do to prevent going into debt.

Use this Web site to help make your list:
http://www.nfcc.org/
(The Web site for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling)

Chapter 11: How Contracts Come to an End
Earth Day
Did you know that you are made up of about 71 percent water? Did you know that you breathe 70,000 times per day? We take our environment for granted most of the time. Look around you. Is your school clean? Do you pick up garbage when you see it? It is up to each one of us to do our part in taking care of the earth.

Activity: Earth Day takes place once a year. Make a list of the things you can do to take care of the earth every day of the year.

Use this Web site to help make your list:
http://www.earthday.net/
(The Web site of the Earth Day Network organization)

Chapter 12: Transfer of Contracts and Remedies for Breach
Taking a Bite Out of Crime
Rabies is a contagious infection of the central nervous system. A specific virus that enters the body through the bite of an animal causes rabies. All warm-blooded animals are susceptible, but in the United States the disease is most common in skunks, foxes, bats, raccoons, dogs, and cats.

Activity: Research the rabies virus. As a responsible pet owner, what should you do to prevent your dog or cat from contracting this disease?

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/
(The Web site for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Chapter 13: Contracts for the Sale of Goods
Food for Thought
Have you ever heard of America's Second Harvest? It is the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. They distribute food to 26 million hungry Americans each year, eight million of whom are children. America’s Second Harvest works with over 500 national grocery and food service companies to secure surplus groceries and food products.

Activity: Find out if there is an America’s Second Harvest in your community. If so, ask what you could do to become involved. If not, research what you would have to do to get one started.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.secondharvest.org/
(The Web site for America’s Second Harvest)

Chapter 14: The Importance of Warranties
Charitable Gifts
Ronald McDonald Houses provide a "home-away-from-home" for the families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Currently, there are 206 Ronald McDonald Houses in 19 countries. Each House is run by a local nonprofit organization comprised of members of the medical community, business and civic leaders, parent/volunteers, and McDonald's franchisees.

Activity: Find out if there is a Ronald McDonald House in your community. If so, ask what you could do to become involved. If not, how could you support one that is nearby?

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.rmhc.com/
(The Web site of Ronald McDonald House Charities)

Chapter 15: Consumer Protection and Product liability
Health Hazard
Many doctors believe that second-hand smoke can be just as dangerous as smoking itself. To protect those that don’t smoke, more places of business are becoming smoke free. From restaurants to college campuses, people who smoke are being asked to light up elsewhere.

Activity: Contact two local businesses in your community and find out what their policy is regarding smoking for both customers and employees. Then, research the effects of second-hand smoke. Share your findings with the class.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ets/
(The Web site for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor Air Quality)

Chapter 16: Owning a Vehicle
Donating Automobiles
If you plan to donate a car to charity, follow these simple tips:

Be sure that you get a receipt from the charity for your car donation.
Make sure the charity is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Be sure to document the value of the car and keep records of it.

Activity: What other items can be donated to charity? With a partner, create a list of items that you could donate. Then research the places where you might donate the items.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.charitywatch.org/
(The Web site for the American Institute of Philanthropy)

Chapter 17: Personal Property and Bailments
Gift of life
Did you know that in 1982, the Red Cross began accepting tissue donations? Since that time, over 600,000 people have been impacted by a tissue donation. Tissue is the nonliving part of your body such as skin, heart valves, bones, and veins that can be transplanted from one person to help save or enhance others' lives.

Activity: Research how you can become a tissue donor. How would you feel about becoming a donor?

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.redcross.org/
(The Web site of the Red Cross)

Chapter 18: Creation of an Agency
Talent Agent
If you don’t want to be an actor, but still want to participate in the theater, why not volunteer to work on the sets, serve as an usher, or even make the costumes? There are many different careers associated with the theater. You can probably get started right away during the next high school play.

Activity: Research a career in the theater. Write a one-page paper about the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the career you choose.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/
(The Web site for the Occupational Outlook Handbook)

Chapter 19: Agency Relationships and Their Termination
Dress Code
Do you dress to make a fashion statement? Or do you just throw on some clothes in the morning because you are running late? Some students like the idea of school uniforms so they don’t have to worry about what to wear each day. Others feel like uniforms take away the students’ ability to express their own personalities.

Activity: In a group, design a school uniform that you could be comfortable wearing each day.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.ed.gov/updates/uniforms.html
(A Web site from the U.S. Department of Education regarding school uniforms)

Chapter 20: Employment Law
Employment Discrimination
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was an important law in American history. It prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, or national origin. However, people are often discriminated against on the basis of age. Do you think teenagers are denied jobs because the employers thought they were too young? How would you feel if that happened to you?

Activity: With a partner, discuss how you might convince an employer to hire you even though he or she thought you were too young.

Use this Web site to help with your discussion:
http://www.acinet.org/acinet/library.htm?category=2.1
(Web site for America’s Career InfoNet)

Chapter 21: Employment Protection and Equal Opportunity
Cesar Chavez
Until the Depression in 1930, unions were not in favor in the United States. During the 1930s and 1940s, labor unions flourished. Membership in unions has declined from a peak of 35 percent of the workforce in 1954 to 13.9 percent in 1999. Today, many of the fastest-growing and most active unions represent public employees.

Activity: Research the current trend of public employees, like teachers and social workers, joining unions. Find out why they are joining and the workplace issues they face.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.uft.org/
(The Web site for the United Federation of Teachers—New York City Schools)

Chapter 22: Borrowing Money and Buying on Credit
Paying for College
Another way you can earn money for college is to find part-time work. If possible, find a part-time job while you are still in high school. If you are interested in a particular career field, try to find a job in that field. Even if you are sweeping the floors or filing papers, you are gaining valuable experience that will serve you well.

Activity: Use the classified section of the newspaper and locate an entry-level position for which you think you could qualify. Create a resume and a cover letter for the position.

Use this Web site to help with this activity:
http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/
(This Web site is supported by the Wall Street Journal)

Chapter 23: Negotiable Instruments
Rubber Checks
An estimated 450 million rubber checks are written each year. Did you know that a business owner who unknowingly deposits your bad check would be charged a fee? In addition, the time spent handling the bounced checks and the cash flow problems they might cause are a real problem to the day-to-day operation of the business.

Activity: Contact a bank in your community and find out what the fee is for a depositing a rubber check.

Use this Web site for additional information on rubber checks:
http://www.usatoday.com/small/ask/2001-08-20-ask-bad-checks.htm
(Web site for the USA Today newspaper)

Chapter 24: Writing Checks
Traveler’s Checks
At this time, 12 countries are participating in the Euro, the single currency of Europe. They are Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, and Finland. The official abbreviation for the Euro is EUR.

Activity: Locate an online currency converter and find out how much $10 in United States currency is equivalent to in Euros.

Use this Web site to help with this activity:
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
(A Web site for the Universal Currency Converter)

Chapter 25: Transferring Negotiable Instruments
Safe Driving
Do you have a SADD chapter at your school? SADD stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions. Originally, SADD was organized to help students say "no" to drinking and driving. Today, the mission statement of SADD is as follows:

"To provide students with the best prevention and intervention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, drunk driving, drug abuse and other destructive decisions."

Activity: In a group, discuss the mission of SADD. Do you think you might join an organization like SADD? Why or why not?

Use this Web site to help with your discussion:
http://www.saddonline.com/
(The Web site for SADD)

Chapter 26: Collecting Negotiable Instruments
Win-Win
You probably make compromises every day. You give and take with your parents, your siblings, your friends, and your teachers. Compromising is the secret to getting along with others.

Activity: Keep a log for two weeks of all the compromises you make. At the end of the time period, select the compromise that was the most difficult to make. Write a paragraph explaining why.

Use this Web site to learn more about compromising, negotiating, and mediation:
http://www.nolo.com/
(This Web site provides a wealth of legal information and includes a search engine)

Chapter 27: Sole Proprietorship and Partnership
Independence Day
Do you enjoy watching fireworks on the Fourth of July? Most people love the bright colors and loud noise as they celebrate our country’s independence. But did you know that these pyrotechnic mixtures are an ancient Chinese art? The Chinese made war rockets and explosives as early as the 11^th century.

Activity: Research the history of fireworks. Find out if they are safer today than they were in the 11^th century. Then create a list of safety tips for spectators who are observing fireworks displays.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.fireworksafety.com/
(A Web site sponsored by the National Council on Fireworks Safety)

Chapter 28: Forming and Financing a Corporation
Prestigious list
To be on the list of 100 Best Companies to Work For, you have to ask to be on the list. Then randomly selected employees are asked to complete a survey measuring the quality of the workplace culture. Companies that have been in business for at least seven years with more than 500 employees are eligible.

Activity: With a partner, make a list of the qualities you would consider important for your working environment.

Use this Web site to explore the various Fortune lists:
http://www.fortune.com/.
(The Fortune Web site)

Chapter 29: Operating a Corporation
4-H
Many people join clubs to socialize, to perform community service activities and to network. Networking is the sharing of information, ideas, resources, and opportunities. By networking, you might be able to get a better grade on a project, a scholarship to college, or even a job.

Activity: Think of ways you can network with your friends, teachers, and community members. Whenever you have a chance, practice asking business people for their business cards. Don’t hesitate to ask someone for help and be sure to return the favor when someone asks you for help. Join the Future Business Leaders of America and network with students from other schools.

Use this Web site to help you find out more Future Business Leaders of America:
http://www.fbla-pbl.org/

Chapter 30: Regulation and Expansion
Taking Stock
Did you know there are several different stock exchanges? You are probably most familiar with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). It is the oldest and most prestigious, dating back to 1792. The NASDAQ, the American Stock Exchange (Amex), and the Over-The-Counter (OTC) market are just a few of the many stock exchanges located in the United States. Additionally, many foreign countries have their own stock exchanges.

Activity: Research a stock exchange other than the NYSE. Share your findings with the class.

Use a search engine like www.yahoo.com and type in the keyword "stock exchange." You should find hundreds of different stock exchanges to study.

Chapter 31: Marriage
Wedding Bells
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national student organization that helps teens develop life skills like planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making, and interpersonal communication. This organization is for students involved in family and consumer science classes in school.

Activity: Find out more about FCCLA. Research the mission, the purpose, and the membership.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.fcclainc.org/
(The Web site for FCCLA)

Chapter 32: Divorce and Its Legal Consequences
Alcohol Abuse
Many people don’t realize that the craving an alcoholic feels for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. An alcoholic will continue to drink despite critical family, health, or legal problems. Like many other diseases, alcoholism lasts a person's lifetime. The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her lifestyle.

Activity: Research alcoholism. Find out if it is inherited, if it can be cured, and how it is treated.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.health.org/catalog/
(The website for the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information)

Chapter 33: Renting a Place to live
Subsidized Housing
There are many senior citizens who not only live in subsidized housing, but who also receive their food each day from Meals on Wheels. MOW is a non-profit, volunteer based service that delivers nutritious midday meals to people who are elderly or disabled, homebound, and unable to prepare their own meals. Many service groups, churches, and youth organizations serve as MOW volunteers.

Activity: Find out if MOW operates in your community. If so, how could you become involved?

Use this Web site to help find a MOW organization in your community:
http://www.projectmeal.org/
(The Web site for Meals on Wheels Association of America)

Chapter 34: Buying a Home
The Loss of Wildlife Habitat
Over the last decade, the population of the Florida black bear has been declining at a fast pace. It is estimated that there are only 1,500 to 2,000 black bears left in Florida. Their biggest threat is the growth and development of the state of Florida.

Activity: Research an endangered animal that is native to your state. Find out why the population of the animal is declining.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.defenders.org/
(The Web site for the Defenders of Wildlife)

Chapter 35: Insurance Protection
Helmet Laws
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that 90 percent of bicyclists killed in 2000 reportedly weren't wearing helmets. Four states (California, Florida, New York, and Texas) accounted for 40 percent of bicycle deaths in 2000. Many of the fatalities are caused by injury to the head. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent.

Activity: In a group, create a bicycle helmet safety activity that can be shared with elementary or middle school students in your community.

Use this Web site to help as you create the activity:
http://www.bhsi.org/
(The Web site of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute)

Chapter 36: Retirement and Wills
Retired Hire
Many young people complain that they are not hired for a job because they are too young. Did you know that many older people complain that they are not hired for a job because they are too old? As more retirees return to the workplace, businesses are becoming more aware that ability, not age, should determine a person’s ability to get and keep a job.

Activity: Interview a retiree who would like to return to the workplace. Find out if he or she is worried about age discrimination.

Use this Web site to find out more about the working options of retirees:
http://www.aarp.org/
The Web site for AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons)