Students at Scott Middle School in Lincoln were asked to choose a problem in our world, research it and find out what can they can do to help. Eric Nelson, humanities teacher, said our "Make a Difference Project" started simply as a way to make research more enjoyable and meaningful for the sixth-grade students. He encouraged students to choose topics that are near and dear to their hearts, and they typically pick things such as cancer, poverty and abuse.

Scott sixth graders have been doing this social action project since the 2011-2012 school year. Students then create display booths and...