As you brainstorm topics, browse this list below for concepts that inspire your search for a research topic.
Common Concepts in Literature: Acceptance Adversity Appreciation Believing in yourself Betrayal Changes Childhood Choices Coming of age Common human needs Compassion Confidence Contentment Courage Crime Cultures Death Dependence |
Destiny or fate Determination Divinity Duty Estrangement Evil Faith Family Foolishness Freedom Friendship Gain Good Greed Growth Healing Heroism Honesty Honor |
Identity Inner nature Isolation Jealousy Justice Kindness Knowledge Life Loss Love Loyalty Man v himself Man v man Man v nature Marriage Maturing Nature Obstacles |
Oppression Overcoming Patriotism Peace Perseverance Power Pride Quest Redemption Relationships Sacrifice Salvation Searching Self-knowledge Society Survival Technology Transformation Truth War |
Click on the following links to start looking up topics
Issues Researcher Opposing Viewpoints Kids InfoBits Student Resources in Context CNN News Scholastic News Smithsonian TweenTribune Youngzine Time for Kids WebPath Express Infotopia |
Social Action websites: National Organizations: Change.org DoSomething.org PovertyUsa Feeding America Charity Water Environmental Protection Agency Local Organizations: List of San Antonio's Non-Profit Organizations Animal Defense League of Texas Haven for Hope San Antonio Food Bank |
Why Would You Work For Free? Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
A group of kids in Monterey, California started a food pantry to make sure families in their community have enough food to eat. In addition to donated food, they use donated money to buy groceries for the pantry. What can you do to lend a helping hand? Lots of kids volunteer, or work for free, to help other people. Volunteering can be selfless or it can help you learn skills that you might need someday for a job. It can be a good way to meet people, make friends, or have fun.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 740 Format Type: Video
URL: http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-would-you-work-for-free/
Source: WebPath Express
A Fierce Green Fire: Timeline of Environmental Movement and History Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
In 1911, John Muir said, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” The environmental movement has been around much longer than most people realize. This timeline of environmental history includes important early writings, the first conservation groups, environmental disasters, legislation, community, non-profit activism and more. It begins with Henry David Thoreau’s ‘Walden’ in 1854 and includes names of people who saw the importance...
Topic: Environmental protection, Environmentalists Language: English Lexile: 1390
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/a-fierce-green-fire-timeline-of-environmental-movement/2988/
Source: WebPath Express
A National Day of Service Grade Level: PreK-2 3-5
Schools and government workers have a day off for Martin Luther King's birthday. Some people challenged other people to make it a day for helping their community. On this National Day of Service, volunteers paint murals and plant trees. They fix bikes, work in gardens, and make food for people who need it. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they look for ways to serve and help others and make their community a better place to live.
Topic: Service learning, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 810 Source Type: News Source
URL: http://hmhinthenews.com/a-national-day-of-service/
Source: WebPath Express
Animal Rights Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Are there certain things that are wrong to do to animals, no matter how humanely you do them? What rights do animals have, and how do they differ from human rights? Some people believe that animals have the right to not be hunted, used for experiments, or locked up to entertain people. Others people believe it is wrong to use animals for food or clothes. Sometimes, animal rights only apply to higher animals or adult mammals. Explore some of the arguments on why animals deserve rights.
Topic: Animal welfare, Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1450
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/rights/rights_1.shtml
Source: WebPath Express
Animal Rights vs Animal Welfare Grade Level: 9-12
Investigate the differences between animal welfare and animal rights. This editorial presents animal welfare as a common-sense approach to responsibly caring for the animals owned by humans, while presenting animal rights as an extreme ideology seeking to equate animals and humans. Animal rights activists believe that an animal's ability to feel pain and pleasure means that they should not be used for food or entertainment. Explore how social conditions such as urbanization and acceptance of...
Topic: Animal rights, Animal welfare Language: English Lexile: 1480
URL: http://www.ncraoa.com/AR_AW_WhatYouShouldKnow.html
Source: WebPath Express
Be a Volunteer Grade Level: 3-5
Lots of people need help after a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake. Homeless people and pets need help too. Volunteers do things to help people, animals, or the environment. When Molly and Carly lost their grandpa to cancer, they decided to raise money to send kids with cancer to camp. You can help feed the hungry or make sure kids have warm winter clothes. Being a volunteer lets you think about other people, improve your world, and maybe think about what you want to be when...
Topic: Volunteer work, Service learning Language: English, Spanish Lexile: 950 Format Type: Audio
URL: http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/thought/volunteering.html
Source: WebPath Express
Be Ready to Help Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
Although you may not have been personally impacted by a terrible disaster, you may be motivated to help others. Here you will get some helpful ideas on how to be a volunteer. It's important to check in on people with special needs and the elderly. Help them prepare a family disaster kit and a plan to follow. You can contact the American Red Cross to find out what volunteer opportunities are available. A picture of the 1947 Des Moines River flood is also included.
Topic: Volunteer work, Disaster relief Language: English Lexile: 1230
URL: http://scijinks.jpl.nasa.gov/help-out
Source: WebPath Express
Big Brothers Big Sisters Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a national organization that provides one-on-one mentoring relationships to children. These children usually have more than their share of challenges to overcome. Read some real life stories shared by some Big Brothers and Big Sisters to find out how these volunteers are making better lives for the children they sponsor. From the loss of a parent, to extreme shyness, to physical disabilities, these personal stories illustrate the importance of Big...
Topic: Volunteer work, Mentoring, Community charities, Children's charities Language: English Lexile: 1360 Format Type: Video
URL: http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.5962335/k.BE16/Home.htm
Source: WebPath Express
Championing Life And Liberty For Animals Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Watching a small monkey ride a shaggy dog might be entertaining, but is it humane? The Cowboy Monkey Rodeo angers animal rights activists. They think the show is demeaning, and that capuchin monkeys should be climbing trees instead of traveling in cages. They should be foraging for food instead of eating Pop-Tarts. The creator of the rodeo thinks that the monkeys survive better in the show than in the wild. The case for animal rights is being compared to slavery. Explore issues of autonomy...
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1310 Source Type: News Source
URL: http://www.npr.org/2012/10/25/158296711/championing-life-and-liberty-for-animals
Source: WebPath Express
Conservation International Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Conservation International promotes biodiversity conservation in tropical rain forests and other endangered ecosystems all over the world. It finds and assesses important biodiverse areas and seeks to conserve them. In addition it works to change public policy and industry practices in regard to environmental issues. Find out about the West African who received recognition for working to establish Liberia's first recognized protected area. There are also links to topics about current news,...
Topic: Biodiversity conservation, Conservation of natural resources, Environmental protection Language: English Lexile: 970
URL: http://www.conservation.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Corporation for National and Community Service Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
A federal agency in the U.S., the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) partners with local non-profit groups to serve the American people. Five million Americans volunteer with the AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Vet Corps, and other organizations that help with disaster relief, assisting students in low-income schools, and supporting veterans and their families. Volunteers serve as foster grandparents, provide job training, and mentor students. CNCS sparks innovation and...
Topic: Service learning, Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1040 Format Type: Video
URL: http://www.nationalservice.gov/
Source: WebPath Express
Crocheting and Knitting for Charity is an Act of Compassion and LoveGrade Level: 6-8 9-12
Read this story to learn what people who knit and crochet can do to help sick children in South Africa. This organization takes donations of knitted and crocheted squares. The squares are sent to South Africa, where they are sewn together to make blankets. The blankets are given to orphanages in South Africa, where they provide warmth to children with AIDS and other illnesses. In addition to helping the children, the project helps to increase awareness of the AIDS epidemic among children in...
Topic: Knitting, Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1220
URL: http://www.knit-a-square.com/knitting-for-charity-for-children.html
Source: WebPath Express
Defenders of Wildlife Grade Level:6-8 9-12
Protect polar bears from oil spills. Save sea turtles, conches, caimans, and crocodiles from being trafficked for leather or jewelry. Combat the myths surrounding wolves. These are just a few of the activities of the Defenders of Wildlife. They want to see habitats restored and imperiled species rescued. In each region of the United States, they work to protect pristine wilderness and undeveloped land as a haven for native wildlife. Renewable energy sources may be good for people, but wind...
Topic: Environmental protection Language: English Lexile: 1230
URL: http://www.defenders.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Environmental Defense Fund Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
For nearly fifty years, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has been working to lower carbon emissions, ensure food security, and promote safer household products. They care about climate change, hunger, and chemicals that endanger public health. The EDF got its start in the fight to ban the pesticide DDT. It wasn't just toxic to mosquitoes, but was threatening the survival of endangered ospreys, eagles, and falcons. The EDF fights to restore fisheries and wildlife populations through...
Topic: Environmental protection Language: English
URL: https://www.edf.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Kid's Page Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
Come to this colorful web site to learn about the state of Florida's natural environment. Do you know what an aquifer is? If not, click on ABC's and you'll find a large glossary of words associated with environmental science and Florida. There are printable and online activities to do, and under Pioneers you'll find interesting profiles about such environmental pioneers as President Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and others. Postcards has information about some of the most famous natural...
Topic: Environmental protection, Florida Keys (Fla.), Everglades (Fla.) Language: English Format Type: Interactive
URL: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/kids/
Source: WebPath Express
Generation On Grade Level: 9-12
What issues are you passionate about? Explore homelessness, animals rights, and discrimination. Find out how a lemonade stand can help kids with cancer or a bake sale can help fight hunger. Read one girl's story about getting canned food from the very food bank they used to donate to. Learn how other teens have made a difference in the fight against bullying and illiteracy. You don't have to be grown up and rich to become a philanthropist.
Topic: Service learning, Philanthropists, Volunteer work Language: English
URL: http://www.generationon.org/teens
Source: WebPath Express
Green / Environmental Stats Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
A collection of statistics provides you with information on issues related to the environment and going green. This extensive list includes facts about environmental issues that vary greatly. You will find information about recycling, landfills, and emissions. The ozone is also addressed in these statistics along with the issue of water pollution, the use of water bottles, and the use of Styrofoam. Energy conservation, water conservation, and tropical forest conservation are issues that are...
Topic: Environmental protection Language: English
URL: http://www.statisticbrain.com/green-environmental-stats/
Source: WebPath Express
Greenpeace International Grade Level: 9-12
Greenpeace International is an environmental organization that supports and encourages local and global activism. This web site helps members and non-members alike keep track of all the environmental news from around the world as well as the activities of its member activists. Current headlines, campaign events and news features on the front-page link to a wealth of information, flash videos and photographs.
Topic: Greenpeace International, Environmental protection Language: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, German Lexile: 950 Format Type: Video
URL: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/
Source: WebPath Express
Habitat for Humanity Grade Level: 3-5 6-8 9-12
Learn how volunteers become involved in Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing for underprivileged families. Learning how to become involved just takes a click of your mouse. You can find local affiliates and even see how kids have become involved in making a difference. There is a great deal of information on how the organization operates, where they build, and how you can help. Inspirational stories come from both volunteers and recipients of the...
Topic: Volunteer work, Housing, Charity organization, Community charities Language: English
URL: http://www.habitat.org/
Source: WebPath Express
How Big is Your Ecological Footprint? Grade Level: 9-12
Your impact on the earth can be measured by determining your ecological footprint. Take a 27 question quiz to find out how the way you live affects the earth. Discover how much land and ocean are required to support your consumption of food, goods, services, housing and energy. You can also look at the amount of waste your lifestyle creates. You will see how every choice you make has a consequence. There are great tips for reducing your environmental impact.
Topic: Environmental protection, Nature--Effect of human beings on (Carbon footprint) Language: English, Spanish, French, Chinese
URL: http://www.myfootprint.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Leave No Trace Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Leave No Trace is a nationwide (and international) program designed to assist visitors with their decisions when they travel and camp on public lands. The program strives to educate visitors about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a set of rules and regulations. You can find the seven principles of the program outlined here as well as links to...
Topic: Environmental protection, Camping Language: English Lexile: 730 Format Type: Video
URL: http://lnt.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Monkey Does Not Own Rights to Selfie Grade Level: 6-8
When British nature photographer left his camera unattended during a 2011 trip to Sulawesi, a macaque monkey picked it up and snapped photos of himself. Slater and his San Francisco based self-publishing company Blurb published a book, Wildlife Personalities, that included the monkey’s selfie shots. The photos were also distributed widely because outlets claimed no one owned the copyright since an animal took the photos. The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals...
Topic: Animal rights, Selfies Language: English Lexile: 1000 Source Type: News Source
URL: http://www.tweentribune.com/article/tween56/monkey-does-not-own-rights-selfie/
Source: WebPath Express
Oceana: Protecting the World's Oceans Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Oceana is an international organization that focuses on ocean conservation. The organization conducts campaigns that will make a difference to the oceans in the world. Teams of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to reduce pollution and to prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other sea life. Check out this site to read stories about some of their successes, and to learn more about specific programs...
Topic: Marine resources conservation, Environmental protection Language: English Format Type: Video
URL: http://oceana.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Primer on Animal Rights Grade Level: 6-8
This straightforward site from the Vegetarian Resource Group gives a quick lesson on the animal rights movement and animal rights activists. You can learn the difference between animal rights and animal welfare and find out how the two ideas can work together and find out how a vegetarian lifestyle reflects ideas from both.
Topic: Animal rights activists, Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1210
URL: http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/animalrights.htm
Source: WebPath Express
State Advocacy Issue: Ownership versus Guardianship Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Are you your pet's owner or guardian? The American Veterinary Medical Association does not believe that guardian should be adopted to describe legally the relationship between pet and owner. Guardianship is a civil duty in which the interests of the ward prevail over those of the guardian. In an agrarian society, animals were kept for their economic value. Urban people keep pets for emotional value. Under a guardianship system, owners might be required to pay for expensive medical treatment...
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1430
URL: https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Pages/ownership-vs-guardianship.aspx
Source: WebPath Express
TeenLife: Volunteer Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Community service can be very rewarding. It can help you build meaningful relationships and improve your resume. If your school requires you to do community service hours before graduation, this resource might help you find some volunteer opportunities that might interest you. Volunteer at a hospital, museum, community shelter, or zoo. Help provide recycled bicycles to those in need or educate young children about caring for their teeth. Collect household items for needy families or donate...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1230
URL: https://www.teenlife.com/pages/volunteer/
Source: WebPath Express
The Animal Rights View Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Animal rights relies on fixed ethical rules about what humans are allowed to do to animals. More radical animal rights activists believe that animal rights includes animals not being killed or experimented on for human benefit. Utilitarian views of animal rights allow humans to raise livestock humanely for slaughter while maximizing animal welfare. A contractarian view of animal rights focuses on humans' moral and ethical responsibilities toward animals. A relational view provides different...
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1110
URL: http://ae.imcode.com/animal-rights
Source: WebPath Express
The Moral Status of Animals Grade Level: 9-12
Investigate what gives humans moral rights that animals do not have. The biological species of humans is not what gives us our rights. It is our capacity to use language, think abstractly, express emotions, develop social ties, and solve problems. What if non-human species have some of these abilities? Animals have been observed developing social hierarchies, establishing long kinship ties, responding to the emotional states of others, and sacrificing their own safety for others that are...
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1480 Source Type: Encyclopedia
URL: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-animal/
Source: WebPath Express
The Nature Conservancy Grade Level: 3-5 6-8 9-12
The Nature Conservancy's goal is to save the last great places on Earth. Toward this end, they launched this Web site to inform visitors about worldwide conservation. You can learn about initiatives the group has taken to protect the environment. For example, the Conservancy's Fire Initiative was launched to restore fire-altered ecosystems. The site also maintains an online library of articles related to zoology, landscapes, ecotourism and more.
Topic: Conservation of natural resources, Environmental protection Language: English Lexile: 1160
URL: http://www.nature.org
Source: WebPath Express
The Sierra Club Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
The Sierra Clubs' mission has always been to protect the environment and those living within it. This site includes everything from where to recycle your old eyeglasses to the best place to view the humpback whales. There are discussions and articles about upcoming governmental policies and opportunities to become involved. This site always changing and updating its content, but you can be assured it would always contain pertinent information about the preservation of the Earth.
Topic: Environmental protection, Sierra Club Language: English
URL: http://www.sierraclub.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Top 10 Ways to Save Animals Grade Level: PreK-2 3-5
Find out how you can help save the lives of animals. Vegans are people who don't eat meat, drink milk, or wear leather because those things all come from animals. Real furs come from animals trapped in the wild or raised on fur farms. Soaps and shampoos that say cruelty-free weren't tested on animals in labs. Discover why going to a circus or zoo encourages animal cruelty. If animals are your friends, don't eat them.
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1160 Format Type: Video
URL: http://www.petakids.com/save_animals.asp
Source: WebPath Express
United We Serve Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Helping out in your community is a great way to become involved in helping to make our country and our neighborhoods a better place. If you are interested in what you can do to help your community then this is the place for you. United We Serve offers all kinds of volunteer opportunities and information about many programs. You can search for openings in your area, read about some of the latest initiatives and programs, and register your special volunteer programs on the web site.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 960
URL: http://www.serve.gov/
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteer Match Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
John F. Kennedy said, ?Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.? Live out those great words by becoming a volunteer and helping your fellow citizens. VolunteerMatch can assist you by finding you the perfect volunteer opportunities. Just enter your zip code to search for opportunities in your area. If you are seeking volunteers, you can post your needs on the web site. You can also learn how to virtual volunteer on your computer.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English
URL: http://www.volunteermatch.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteer Worker Statistics Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Whether on a continual basis or in time of disaster, volunteers are all across the United States helping out others who are in need. This collection of statistics tells you all about volunteers and volunteer work in the United States. You will find out how many people in the United States volunteer and find statistics related to the background of these particular people. You will find out how much time these volunteers give, an estimate of the value of the volunteers' time, and you will also...
Topic: Volunteer work, Helping behavior Language: English
URL: http://www.statisticbrain.com/volunteer-worker-statistics/
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteering Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
You don't have to be able to donate money to support a cause or change lives. Volunteering allows you to donate time to make a difference. Even if you have to do a certain number of mandatory volunteer hours, you can still decide where to spend that time. Help kids in the Special Olympics or an after-school program. Meals for the homeless, passing out food at a food pantry, or distributing Christmas toys to kids are great options over your holiday break. Find out how you can work with...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English, Spanish Lexile: 1050 Format Type: Audio
URL: http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/jobs/volunteering.html
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Explore the benefits of volunteering. It's worth making time in your busy life. Volunteering helps build community and is a great way to meet new friends. It allows you to do fulfilling, shared activities with those with similar interests. Boost your social skills and grow your social network. Volunteering gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride, boosting your confidence and reducing depression. It has as much impact on people's happiness as making a significantly higher income. Use...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1170
URL: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/work-career/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteering: Helping People Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
Teens and preteens describe the way they help their neighbors, church, or children by volunteering. Find out how you can help older residents in your community by keeping them company, helping with chores, or running errands. You could also run errands for the disabled, help deliver meals, or read to the blind. Hospitals have opportunities for teens to volunteer by visiting patients, serving meals, or greeting visitors. Learn about food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, and charity shops and...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1060
URL: http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/emotions/volunteering/article4.html
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteering May Be Good for Body and Mind Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Investigate the physical and mental health benefits of volunteering. Working as a volunteer helps people be socially connected. Those who volunteer are less likely to be lonely or depressed. A study from Carnegie Mellon University shows a correlation between volunteering and lower blood pressure readings. It might be that those who volunteer are more likely to exercise or eat well, or it might be that volunteer work helps reduce stress. Volunteering could help people stay physically active...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1220
URL: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/volunteering-may-be-good-for-body-and-mind-201306266428
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteers of America Grade Level: 3-5 6-8 9-12
Volunteers of America provides local human service programs. You can learn about their services such as over a dozen volunteer programs. Just click on any of the list and find a description of the program. Find out about the organization's history, services, facts, and figures. Public policy efforts, news releases, and other materials related to the Volunteers of America are easily found. Information on how you can help and where they are located is also provided.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1240
URL: http://voa.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Why Killer Whales Should Not Be Kept in Captivity Grade Level: 9-12
Orcas, or killer whales, have been a favorite exhibit at aquariums, but these animals don't thrive in captivity. Many have severe health problem, and some even attack their trainers. One orca at SeaWorld is sick and has killed three humans. Wild orcas never kill humans, but the stress of captivity can lead to violent outbursts. These dolphins are so big that they are dangerous whenever they act out. Since the 1960s, juvenile orcas have been trained to do tricks. More than fifty orcas live in...
Topic: Killer whales (Orca), Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1140
URL: http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160310-why-killer-whales-should-not-be-kept-in-captivity
Source: WebPath Express
Why Should Children Volunteer? Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
While it doesn't provide monetary benefits in the form of a paycheck, volunteering makes you feel good and helps the community. An eighth grader wrote an opinion letter to the editor of a newspaper, making a case for why everyone should volunteer. Historic sites would fall into disrepair without volunteers. Free festivals would never happen in your community. Twelve years old is not too young to start helping others. Kids might not have much money to give, but they have time and energy to...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 890
URL: http://www.volunteerweekly.org/why-should-children-volunteer/
Source: WebPath Express
Why Volunteer? Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Millions of people donate millions of hours doing volunteer work for free. Just because they don't get paid doesn't mean that volunteering doesn't have benefits. Those who volunteer tend to live longer and have a healthier lifestyle. They were less likely to smoke or binge drink, and better able to cope with their own health issues. Family relationships tend to be better among volunteers. Volunteering can give people a sense of purpose and is a good way for older people to avoid becoming...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English
URL: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.nhs.uk/Livewell/volunteering/Pages/Whyvolunteer.aspx
Source: WebPath Express
Why You Should Be Nice, with Stephen Post Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
A professor of preventative medicine describes the benefits of altruistic behavior and volunteering. About 40% of the people surveyed had volunteered about 100 hours a year. Two-thirds of them said they felt healthier, three-fourths felt less stressed, and 96% said they felt happier from volunteering. Deeper friendships, greater resilience, and gratification were a few other benefits. Widows, alcoholics, and young people can all benefit from helping behaviors. The benefits of giving are both...
Topic: Altruism, Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1050 Format Type: Video
URL: http://bigthink.com/videos/why-you-should-be-nice-with-stephen-post
Source: WebPath Express
Young People and Volunteering Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
There are lots of reasons that teens volunteer. Perhaps your friend talked you into it or you volunteered to improve your chances of getting into your college of choice. Maybe you are passionate about fighting homelessness or hunger, or improving animal welfare or the environment. Teens like to volunteer with their friends, peers, and members of the opposite gender. They like to go somewhere close to home where volunteering creates a social atmosphere. Many like to help others anonymously.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English
URL: http://www.dosomething.org/blog/teens-and-volunteering
Source: WebPath Express
Zero Footprint Youth Calculator Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
Answering the questions at this web site will help you decide if you have a positive or negative impact on the environment. Find out if you are environmentally friendly in the areas of transportation, what you eat, home and school, what you throw away and what you use. The choices we make determine how much carbon dioxide we put into the air. Too much carbon dioxide leads to global warming. See the impact you make on carbon dioxide, land, trees and water.
Topic: Environmental protection, Nature--Effect of human beings on (Carbon footprint) Language: English, Spanish, French Format Type: Interactive
URL: http://calc.zerofootprint.net/youth/
Source: WebPath Express
A group of kids in Monterey, California started a food pantry to make sure families in their community have enough food to eat. In addition to donated food, they use donated money to buy groceries for the pantry. What can you do to lend a helping hand? Lots of kids volunteer, or work for free, to help other people. Volunteering can be selfless or it can help you learn skills that you might need someday for a job. It can be a good way to meet people, make friends, or have fun.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 740 Format Type: Video
URL: http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-would-you-work-for-free/
Source: WebPath Express
A Fierce Green Fire: Timeline of Environmental Movement and History Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
In 1911, John Muir said, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” The environmental movement has been around much longer than most people realize. This timeline of environmental history includes important early writings, the first conservation groups, environmental disasters, legislation, community, non-profit activism and more. It begins with Henry David Thoreau’s ‘Walden’ in 1854 and includes names of people who saw the importance...
Topic: Environmental protection, Environmentalists Language: English Lexile: 1390
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/a-fierce-green-fire-timeline-of-environmental-movement/2988/
Source: WebPath Express
A National Day of Service Grade Level: PreK-2 3-5
Schools and government workers have a day off for Martin Luther King's birthday. Some people challenged other people to make it a day for helping their community. On this National Day of Service, volunteers paint murals and plant trees. They fix bikes, work in gardens, and make food for people who need it. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they look for ways to serve and help others and make their community a better place to live.
Topic: Service learning, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 810 Source Type: News Source
URL: http://hmhinthenews.com/a-national-day-of-service/
Source: WebPath Express
Animal Rights Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Are there certain things that are wrong to do to animals, no matter how humanely you do them? What rights do animals have, and how do they differ from human rights? Some people believe that animals have the right to not be hunted, used for experiments, or locked up to entertain people. Others people believe it is wrong to use animals for food or clothes. Sometimes, animal rights only apply to higher animals or adult mammals. Explore some of the arguments on why animals deserve rights.
Topic: Animal welfare, Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1450
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/rights/rights_1.shtml
Source: WebPath Express
Animal Rights vs Animal Welfare Grade Level: 9-12
Investigate the differences between animal welfare and animal rights. This editorial presents animal welfare as a common-sense approach to responsibly caring for the animals owned by humans, while presenting animal rights as an extreme ideology seeking to equate animals and humans. Animal rights activists believe that an animal's ability to feel pain and pleasure means that they should not be used for food or entertainment. Explore how social conditions such as urbanization and acceptance of...
Topic: Animal rights, Animal welfare Language: English Lexile: 1480
URL: http://www.ncraoa.com/AR_AW_WhatYouShouldKnow.html
Source: WebPath Express
Be a Volunteer Grade Level: 3-5
Lots of people need help after a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake. Homeless people and pets need help too. Volunteers do things to help people, animals, or the environment. When Molly and Carly lost their grandpa to cancer, they decided to raise money to send kids with cancer to camp. You can help feed the hungry or make sure kids have warm winter clothes. Being a volunteer lets you think about other people, improve your world, and maybe think about what you want to be when...
Topic: Volunteer work, Service learning Language: English, Spanish Lexile: 950 Format Type: Audio
URL: http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/thought/volunteering.html
Source: WebPath Express
Be Ready to Help Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
Although you may not have been personally impacted by a terrible disaster, you may be motivated to help others. Here you will get some helpful ideas on how to be a volunteer. It's important to check in on people with special needs and the elderly. Help them prepare a family disaster kit and a plan to follow. You can contact the American Red Cross to find out what volunteer opportunities are available. A picture of the 1947 Des Moines River flood is also included.
Topic: Volunteer work, Disaster relief Language: English Lexile: 1230
URL: http://scijinks.jpl.nasa.gov/help-out
Source: WebPath Express
Big Brothers Big Sisters Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a national organization that provides one-on-one mentoring relationships to children. These children usually have more than their share of challenges to overcome. Read some real life stories shared by some Big Brothers and Big Sisters to find out how these volunteers are making better lives for the children they sponsor. From the loss of a parent, to extreme shyness, to physical disabilities, these personal stories illustrate the importance of Big...
Topic: Volunteer work, Mentoring, Community charities, Children's charities Language: English Lexile: 1360 Format Type: Video
URL: http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.5962335/k.BE16/Home.htm
Source: WebPath Express
Championing Life And Liberty For Animals Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Watching a small monkey ride a shaggy dog might be entertaining, but is it humane? The Cowboy Monkey Rodeo angers animal rights activists. They think the show is demeaning, and that capuchin monkeys should be climbing trees instead of traveling in cages. They should be foraging for food instead of eating Pop-Tarts. The creator of the rodeo thinks that the monkeys survive better in the show than in the wild. The case for animal rights is being compared to slavery. Explore issues of autonomy...
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1310 Source Type: News Source
URL: http://www.npr.org/2012/10/25/158296711/championing-life-and-liberty-for-animals
Source: WebPath Express
Conservation International Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Conservation International promotes biodiversity conservation in tropical rain forests and other endangered ecosystems all over the world. It finds and assesses important biodiverse areas and seeks to conserve them. In addition it works to change public policy and industry practices in regard to environmental issues. Find out about the West African who received recognition for working to establish Liberia's first recognized protected area. There are also links to topics about current news,...
Topic: Biodiversity conservation, Conservation of natural resources, Environmental protection Language: English Lexile: 970
URL: http://www.conservation.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Corporation for National and Community Service Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
A federal agency in the U.S., the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) partners with local non-profit groups to serve the American people. Five million Americans volunteer with the AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Vet Corps, and other organizations that help with disaster relief, assisting students in low-income schools, and supporting veterans and their families. Volunteers serve as foster grandparents, provide job training, and mentor students. CNCS sparks innovation and...
Topic: Service learning, Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1040 Format Type: Video
URL: http://www.nationalservice.gov/
Source: WebPath Express
Crocheting and Knitting for Charity is an Act of Compassion and LoveGrade Level: 6-8 9-12
Read this story to learn what people who knit and crochet can do to help sick children in South Africa. This organization takes donations of knitted and crocheted squares. The squares are sent to South Africa, where they are sewn together to make blankets. The blankets are given to orphanages in South Africa, where they provide warmth to children with AIDS and other illnesses. In addition to helping the children, the project helps to increase awareness of the AIDS epidemic among children in...
Topic: Knitting, Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1220
URL: http://www.knit-a-square.com/knitting-for-charity-for-children.html
Source: WebPath Express
Defenders of Wildlife Grade Level:6-8 9-12
Protect polar bears from oil spills. Save sea turtles, conches, caimans, and crocodiles from being trafficked for leather or jewelry. Combat the myths surrounding wolves. These are just a few of the activities of the Defenders of Wildlife. They want to see habitats restored and imperiled species rescued. In each region of the United States, they work to protect pristine wilderness and undeveloped land as a haven for native wildlife. Renewable energy sources may be good for people, but wind...
Topic: Environmental protection Language: English Lexile: 1230
URL: http://www.defenders.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Environmental Defense Fund Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
For nearly fifty years, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has been working to lower carbon emissions, ensure food security, and promote safer household products. They care about climate change, hunger, and chemicals that endanger public health. The EDF got its start in the fight to ban the pesticide DDT. It wasn't just toxic to mosquitoes, but was threatening the survival of endangered ospreys, eagles, and falcons. The EDF fights to restore fisheries and wildlife populations through...
Topic: Environmental protection Language: English
URL: https://www.edf.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Kid's Page Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
Come to this colorful web site to learn about the state of Florida's natural environment. Do you know what an aquifer is? If not, click on ABC's and you'll find a large glossary of words associated with environmental science and Florida. There are printable and online activities to do, and under Pioneers you'll find interesting profiles about such environmental pioneers as President Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and others. Postcards has information about some of the most famous natural...
Topic: Environmental protection, Florida Keys (Fla.), Everglades (Fla.) Language: English Format Type: Interactive
URL: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/kids/
Source: WebPath Express
Generation On Grade Level: 9-12
What issues are you passionate about? Explore homelessness, animals rights, and discrimination. Find out how a lemonade stand can help kids with cancer or a bake sale can help fight hunger. Read one girl's story about getting canned food from the very food bank they used to donate to. Learn how other teens have made a difference in the fight against bullying and illiteracy. You don't have to be grown up and rich to become a philanthropist.
Topic: Service learning, Philanthropists, Volunteer work Language: English
URL: http://www.generationon.org/teens
Source: WebPath Express
Green / Environmental Stats Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
A collection of statistics provides you with information on issues related to the environment and going green. This extensive list includes facts about environmental issues that vary greatly. You will find information about recycling, landfills, and emissions. The ozone is also addressed in these statistics along with the issue of water pollution, the use of water bottles, and the use of Styrofoam. Energy conservation, water conservation, and tropical forest conservation are issues that are...
Topic: Environmental protection Language: English
URL: http://www.statisticbrain.com/green-environmental-stats/
Source: WebPath Express
Greenpeace International Grade Level: 9-12
Greenpeace International is an environmental organization that supports and encourages local and global activism. This web site helps members and non-members alike keep track of all the environmental news from around the world as well as the activities of its member activists. Current headlines, campaign events and news features on the front-page link to a wealth of information, flash videos and photographs.
Topic: Greenpeace International, Environmental protection Language: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, German Lexile: 950 Format Type: Video
URL: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/
Source: WebPath Express
Habitat for Humanity Grade Level: 3-5 6-8 9-12
Learn how volunteers become involved in Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing for underprivileged families. Learning how to become involved just takes a click of your mouse. You can find local affiliates and even see how kids have become involved in making a difference. There is a great deal of information on how the organization operates, where they build, and how you can help. Inspirational stories come from both volunteers and recipients of the...
Topic: Volunteer work, Housing, Charity organization, Community charities Language: English
URL: http://www.habitat.org/
Source: WebPath Express
How Big is Your Ecological Footprint? Grade Level: 9-12
Your impact on the earth can be measured by determining your ecological footprint. Take a 27 question quiz to find out how the way you live affects the earth. Discover how much land and ocean are required to support your consumption of food, goods, services, housing and energy. You can also look at the amount of waste your lifestyle creates. You will see how every choice you make has a consequence. There are great tips for reducing your environmental impact.
Topic: Environmental protection, Nature--Effect of human beings on (Carbon footprint) Language: English, Spanish, French, Chinese
URL: http://www.myfootprint.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Leave No Trace Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Leave No Trace is a nationwide (and international) program designed to assist visitors with their decisions when they travel and camp on public lands. The program strives to educate visitors about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a set of rules and regulations. You can find the seven principles of the program outlined here as well as links to...
Topic: Environmental protection, Camping Language: English Lexile: 730 Format Type: Video
URL: http://lnt.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Monkey Does Not Own Rights to Selfie Grade Level: 6-8
When British nature photographer left his camera unattended during a 2011 trip to Sulawesi, a macaque monkey picked it up and snapped photos of himself. Slater and his San Francisco based self-publishing company Blurb published a book, Wildlife Personalities, that included the monkey’s selfie shots. The photos were also distributed widely because outlets claimed no one owned the copyright since an animal took the photos. The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals...
Topic: Animal rights, Selfies Language: English Lexile: 1000 Source Type: News Source
URL: http://www.tweentribune.com/article/tween56/monkey-does-not-own-rights-selfie/
Source: WebPath Express
Oceana: Protecting the World's Oceans Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Oceana is an international organization that focuses on ocean conservation. The organization conducts campaigns that will make a difference to the oceans in the world. Teams of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to reduce pollution and to prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other sea life. Check out this site to read stories about some of their successes, and to learn more about specific programs...
Topic: Marine resources conservation, Environmental protection Language: English Format Type: Video
URL: http://oceana.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Primer on Animal Rights Grade Level: 6-8
This straightforward site from the Vegetarian Resource Group gives a quick lesson on the animal rights movement and animal rights activists. You can learn the difference between animal rights and animal welfare and find out how the two ideas can work together and find out how a vegetarian lifestyle reflects ideas from both.
Topic: Animal rights activists, Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1210
URL: http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/animalrights.htm
Source: WebPath Express
State Advocacy Issue: Ownership versus Guardianship Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Are you your pet's owner or guardian? The American Veterinary Medical Association does not believe that guardian should be adopted to describe legally the relationship between pet and owner. Guardianship is a civil duty in which the interests of the ward prevail over those of the guardian. In an agrarian society, animals were kept for their economic value. Urban people keep pets for emotional value. Under a guardianship system, owners might be required to pay for expensive medical treatment...
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1430
URL: https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Pages/ownership-vs-guardianship.aspx
Source: WebPath Express
TeenLife: Volunteer Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Community service can be very rewarding. It can help you build meaningful relationships and improve your resume. If your school requires you to do community service hours before graduation, this resource might help you find some volunteer opportunities that might interest you. Volunteer at a hospital, museum, community shelter, or zoo. Help provide recycled bicycles to those in need or educate young children about caring for their teeth. Collect household items for needy families or donate...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1230
URL: https://www.teenlife.com/pages/volunteer/
Source: WebPath Express
The Animal Rights View Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Animal rights relies on fixed ethical rules about what humans are allowed to do to animals. More radical animal rights activists believe that animal rights includes animals not being killed or experimented on for human benefit. Utilitarian views of animal rights allow humans to raise livestock humanely for slaughter while maximizing animal welfare. A contractarian view of animal rights focuses on humans' moral and ethical responsibilities toward animals. A relational view provides different...
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1110
URL: http://ae.imcode.com/animal-rights
Source: WebPath Express
The Moral Status of Animals Grade Level: 9-12
Investigate what gives humans moral rights that animals do not have. The biological species of humans is not what gives us our rights. It is our capacity to use language, think abstractly, express emotions, develop social ties, and solve problems. What if non-human species have some of these abilities? Animals have been observed developing social hierarchies, establishing long kinship ties, responding to the emotional states of others, and sacrificing their own safety for others that are...
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1480 Source Type: Encyclopedia
URL: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-animal/
Source: WebPath Express
The Nature Conservancy Grade Level: 3-5 6-8 9-12
The Nature Conservancy's goal is to save the last great places on Earth. Toward this end, they launched this Web site to inform visitors about worldwide conservation. You can learn about initiatives the group has taken to protect the environment. For example, the Conservancy's Fire Initiative was launched to restore fire-altered ecosystems. The site also maintains an online library of articles related to zoology, landscapes, ecotourism and more.
Topic: Conservation of natural resources, Environmental protection Language: English Lexile: 1160
URL: http://www.nature.org
Source: WebPath Express
The Sierra Club Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
The Sierra Clubs' mission has always been to protect the environment and those living within it. This site includes everything from where to recycle your old eyeglasses to the best place to view the humpback whales. There are discussions and articles about upcoming governmental policies and opportunities to become involved. This site always changing and updating its content, but you can be assured it would always contain pertinent information about the preservation of the Earth.
Topic: Environmental protection, Sierra Club Language: English
URL: http://www.sierraclub.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Top 10 Ways to Save Animals Grade Level: PreK-2 3-5
Find out how you can help save the lives of animals. Vegans are people who don't eat meat, drink milk, or wear leather because those things all come from animals. Real furs come from animals trapped in the wild or raised on fur farms. Soaps and shampoos that say cruelty-free weren't tested on animals in labs. Discover why going to a circus or zoo encourages animal cruelty. If animals are your friends, don't eat them.
Topic: Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1160 Format Type: Video
URL: http://www.petakids.com/save_animals.asp
Source: WebPath Express
United We Serve Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Helping out in your community is a great way to become involved in helping to make our country and our neighborhoods a better place. If you are interested in what you can do to help your community then this is the place for you. United We Serve offers all kinds of volunteer opportunities and information about many programs. You can search for openings in your area, read about some of the latest initiatives and programs, and register your special volunteer programs on the web site.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 960
URL: http://www.serve.gov/
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteer Match Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
John F. Kennedy said, ?Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.? Live out those great words by becoming a volunteer and helping your fellow citizens. VolunteerMatch can assist you by finding you the perfect volunteer opportunities. Just enter your zip code to search for opportunities in your area. If you are seeking volunteers, you can post your needs on the web site. You can also learn how to virtual volunteer on your computer.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English
URL: http://www.volunteermatch.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteer Worker Statistics Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Whether on a continual basis or in time of disaster, volunteers are all across the United States helping out others who are in need. This collection of statistics tells you all about volunteers and volunteer work in the United States. You will find out how many people in the United States volunteer and find statistics related to the background of these particular people. You will find out how much time these volunteers give, an estimate of the value of the volunteers' time, and you will also...
Topic: Volunteer work, Helping behavior Language: English
URL: http://www.statisticbrain.com/volunteer-worker-statistics/
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteering Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
You don't have to be able to donate money to support a cause or change lives. Volunteering allows you to donate time to make a difference. Even if you have to do a certain number of mandatory volunteer hours, you can still decide where to spend that time. Help kids in the Special Olympics or an after-school program. Meals for the homeless, passing out food at a food pantry, or distributing Christmas toys to kids are great options over your holiday break. Find out how you can work with...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English, Spanish Lexile: 1050 Format Type: Audio
URL: http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/jobs/volunteering.html
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Explore the benefits of volunteering. It's worth making time in your busy life. Volunteering helps build community and is a great way to meet new friends. It allows you to do fulfilling, shared activities with those with similar interests. Boost your social skills and grow your social network. Volunteering gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride, boosting your confidence and reducing depression. It has as much impact on people's happiness as making a significantly higher income. Use...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1170
URL: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/work-career/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteering: Helping People Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
Teens and preteens describe the way they help their neighbors, church, or children by volunteering. Find out how you can help older residents in your community by keeping them company, helping with chores, or running errands. You could also run errands for the disabled, help deliver meals, or read to the blind. Hospitals have opportunities for teens to volunteer by visiting patients, serving meals, or greeting visitors. Learn about food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, and charity shops and...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1060
URL: http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/emotions/volunteering/article4.html
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteering May Be Good for Body and Mind Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Investigate the physical and mental health benefits of volunteering. Working as a volunteer helps people be socially connected. Those who volunteer are less likely to be lonely or depressed. A study from Carnegie Mellon University shows a correlation between volunteering and lower blood pressure readings. It might be that those who volunteer are more likely to exercise or eat well, or it might be that volunteer work helps reduce stress. Volunteering could help people stay physically active...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1220
URL: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/volunteering-may-be-good-for-body-and-mind-201306266428
Source: WebPath Express
Volunteers of America Grade Level: 3-5 6-8 9-12
Volunteers of America provides local human service programs. You can learn about their services such as over a dozen volunteer programs. Just click on any of the list and find a description of the program. Find out about the organization's history, services, facts, and figures. Public policy efforts, news releases, and other materials related to the Volunteers of America are easily found. Information on how you can help and where they are located is also provided.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1240
URL: http://voa.org/
Source: WebPath Express
Why Killer Whales Should Not Be Kept in Captivity Grade Level: 9-12
Orcas, or killer whales, have been a favorite exhibit at aquariums, but these animals don't thrive in captivity. Many have severe health problem, and some even attack their trainers. One orca at SeaWorld is sick and has killed three humans. Wild orcas never kill humans, but the stress of captivity can lead to violent outbursts. These dolphins are so big that they are dangerous whenever they act out. Since the 1960s, juvenile orcas have been trained to do tricks. More than fifty orcas live in...
Topic: Killer whales (Orca), Animal rights Language: English Lexile: 1140
URL: http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160310-why-killer-whales-should-not-be-kept-in-captivity
Source: WebPath Express
Why Should Children Volunteer? Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
While it doesn't provide monetary benefits in the form of a paycheck, volunteering makes you feel good and helps the community. An eighth grader wrote an opinion letter to the editor of a newspaper, making a case for why everyone should volunteer. Historic sites would fall into disrepair without volunteers. Free festivals would never happen in your community. Twelve years old is not too young to start helping others. Kids might not have much money to give, but they have time and energy to...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 890
URL: http://www.volunteerweekly.org/why-should-children-volunteer/
Source: WebPath Express
Why Volunteer? Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
Millions of people donate millions of hours doing volunteer work for free. Just because they don't get paid doesn't mean that volunteering doesn't have benefits. Those who volunteer tend to live longer and have a healthier lifestyle. They were less likely to smoke or binge drink, and better able to cope with their own health issues. Family relationships tend to be better among volunteers. Volunteering can give people a sense of purpose and is a good way for older people to avoid becoming...
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English
URL: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.nhs.uk/Livewell/volunteering/Pages/Whyvolunteer.aspx
Source: WebPath Express
Why You Should Be Nice, with Stephen Post Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
A professor of preventative medicine describes the benefits of altruistic behavior and volunteering. About 40% of the people surveyed had volunteered about 100 hours a year. Two-thirds of them said they felt healthier, three-fourths felt less stressed, and 96% said they felt happier from volunteering. Deeper friendships, greater resilience, and gratification were a few other benefits. Widows, alcoholics, and young people can all benefit from helping behaviors. The benefits of giving are both...
Topic: Altruism, Volunteer work Language: English Lexile: 1050 Format Type: Video
URL: http://bigthink.com/videos/why-you-should-be-nice-with-stephen-post
Source: WebPath Express
Young People and Volunteering Grade Level: 6-8 9-12
There are lots of reasons that teens volunteer. Perhaps your friend talked you into it or you volunteered to improve your chances of getting into your college of choice. Maybe you are passionate about fighting homelessness or hunger, or improving animal welfare or the environment. Teens like to volunteer with their friends, peers, and members of the opposite gender. They like to go somewhere close to home where volunteering creates a social atmosphere. Many like to help others anonymously.
Topic: Volunteer work Language: English
URL: http://www.dosomething.org/blog/teens-and-volunteering
Source: WebPath Express
Zero Footprint Youth Calculator Grade Level: 3-5 6-8
Answering the questions at this web site will help you decide if you have a positive or negative impact on the environment. Find out if you are environmentally friendly in the areas of transportation, what you eat, home and school, what you throw away and what you use. The choices we make determine how much carbon dioxide we put into the air. Too much carbon dioxide leads to global warming. See the impact you make on carbon dioxide, land, trees and water.
Topic: Environmental protection, Nature--Effect of human beings on (Carbon footprint) Language: English, Spanish, French Format Type: Interactive
URL: http://calc.zerofootprint.net/youth/
Source: WebPath Express