Health Topics for Teens A PBL Unit by Lisa Borges

Overview For this lesson, students research a health topic affecting teens their age. In the course of research, students will evaluate web sites, take notes, create and administer a class survey, and create an informative PowerPoint presentation. Because the topics the students choose have real-life implications, I think the project will be interesting, informative, and motivating. The target group for this project is middle school students. The time frame is minute periods. I address my own curriculum discipline (computer applications) by having students create a spreadsheet, chart, and PowerPoint presentation.

Objectives Students are able to identify and explain, in detail, a health risk facing kids their age. Students navigate the Internet and use search engines to find websites related to their topic. Students are able to evaluate a minimum of 15 web sites for validity, current ness, information, ease of use, and appeal. Students create a valid multiple choice survey to administer to their peers. Students tally the results of their survey and graph the results using Microsoft Excel. Students create a PowerPoint presentation that informs others about their topic and is effective in design, layout, and appeal.

MA State Frameworks The standards addressed by this PBL are: –Health 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14 –Math 8 –Technology 1, 2, 3 –For further detail on the strands and standards addressed by this PBL, double click the Word icon.

Step 1: Introduction  For this project you will be divided into pre- chosen groups of 3 to research and report on a health risk facing kids your age. This project will involve research, note taking, and presentation. Also, you will create, tally, and graph the results of a survey for your peers.  Possible topics include: eating disorders, alcohol use, drug use, smoking, inhalants, harassment, nutrition, exercise, acne, etc.  Take the next ten minutes to meet with your group and choose a topic that interests you. Be prepared to have a 2 nd choice because no more than 2 groups will be allowed to select the same topic.

Step 2: Searching the web Let’s make a list of some popular search engines. (Google, Alta Vista, etc.) There is so much information on the web, how will you sort through it? What makes you decide to explore a site further or skip past it? Let’s create the rubric you will use to evaluate the sites you find. Click for sampleClick for sample Create this same rubric in Excel and start your site evaluation. Create a folder and save your favorite sites for future use. Start taking some notes on your topic. Double click the Word icon for some questions to help you take notes.

To find the total use the AutoSum icon.

Step 3: Create a survey  Based on what you have learned about your topic, how much do you think it affects teens your age?  In Word, create a multiple choice survey that will be given to a class full of students.  For an example, click hereclick here  After your survey is returned, create a graph to show your results

We are doing a report on teenage cigarette smoking. Please help us by answering these five questions truthfully. This survey is anonymous. 1.) How often have you smoked a cigarette in the last month? a.) Never b.) once c.) 2-10 timesd.) more than 10 times 2. ) Do you think you can die from cigarette smoking? a.) yesb. ) no 3.) Did you know cigarettes contain cyanide (the same stuff found in rat poison?) a.) yesb.) no 4.) If you haven’t tried cigarettes, do think you might in the future? a.) yesb.) no 5.) Does anybody in your family smoke cigarettes? a.) yesb.) no

The Results Are In Tally the results from your survey. Then, select one question and create a graph in Excel. Look at the next slide for an idea.

Step 4: Create your presentation Use all the information you gathered through your research and survey to create a PowerPoint presentation that educates teens about the health risk you chose. The presentation should be a minimum of 5 slides and should include enhancements such as timings, transitions, animations, and clip art. It should explain your topic and offer suggestions on how to deal with it or seek further help. Make sure one slide is for credits.

Evaluate your group members Use the following rubric to give a score for each group member. Remember, your results are anonymous. Possible Score Points Earned Time on Task Cooperation Quality of Work Participation Total:

Project Rubric Point Value ObjectivePoints Earned 20Peer grade 10Group spends class time on-task, actively researching topic and evaluating websites 10Group evaluates sites using class developed rubric 10Group creates multiple choice survey 10Group correctly graphs results of survey and includes them in presentation 20Presentation is informative and offers ways to deal or suggests places for further help 20Presentation is appealing (effective use of sound, animation, transition, clips art, and timings.) Group Score: