Vacant Lot Growth Mindset Project

Activity Time:

60 Minutes

Do your students see empty storefronts and vacant lots as eyesores or opportunities? This activity will ensure it is the latter. You’ll use a video to set the scene and then use either sample or real “vacant lots” near your school to inspire students to think about strategies to collaborate, innovate, and benefit their community.

Key Topics

Ownership
Respect
Transformation

Relevant Principles

Passion
Responsibility
Sound Judgment
Win-Win Focus

Real-World Concepts

Innovation
Opportunity Costs

Materials Needed

Empowered Vacant Lot Intro Video (Inside Empowered Hub)
Empowered Vacant Lot Close Video (Inside Empowered Hub)
Empowered Vacant Lot Photos (Inside Empowered Hub)
Empowered Vacant Lot PowerPoint (Inside Empowered Hub)
PostIt Notes
Markers or Colored Pencils
(Empowered Currency or Bonds)

Students will learn and explore the opportunity mindset to create value for themselves and others by ideating ways to turn “vacant lots” into useable, community spaces. Concepts like empathy, design thinking, partnering, and more will bring their ideas to life. Enjoy this quick activity? Consider our Vacant Lot PBL Capstone (in the Hub) to go deeper.