What do we mean by  Cause and Effect? Really, it's just the reverse of what we are used to thinking about: The Kids Club got a new building because of the donations of concerned citizens. (What happened is the effect) (Why it happened is the cause)

Some things that happen in our lives are unavoidable. For example, if there is an earthquake, flood, or other natural disaster, some of the damage may not have been predicted or prevented. However, many of the things that happen in our lives are a result of the actions of people. How about this example:
 

A mother is concerned that kids don't have a safe place to play after school. She organizes a fund raiser and starts a Kids Club. Over the years, many more citizens join in and the Kids Club gets better and better. The kids have a safe place to play, and youth crime rates keep going down.

Who made a difference to all of those kids???

Yes, even one person can make a difference. If that mother hadn't started things going, would there be a Kids Club? Who knows?

Activity: Look in The Desert Trail or The Hi Desert Star for an article where someone has made a difference (effect), and what they did to make a difference (cause) Print out this activity sheet to complete the assignment.