Selecting+a+Health+Issue

=Selecting a Health Issue=

Purpose of The Activity
This is the point at which students will select the topics they will research and work on for the rest of the unit.

Organizational Note:

 * All teachers can do these same activities at the same time (but please do these steps in sequence).

Desired Outcomes:

 * Process: Students //thoughtfully// select a health topic they will work on for the remainder of the unit
 * Process: Students are members of Production Teams
 * Process: Production Teams clarify their topic

The Process

 * Time Frame:** 1 Project Block

Step 1: Brainstorm Possible Topics

 * 1) Formally brainstorm possible topics;
 * 2) Record topics on a projected word processor document or on chart paper;
 * **Helpful Resource:** the [|Brainstorming Guide] on the [|PBL MM web site].

Step 2: Discuss the Possible Topics

 * 1) Have students discuss the topics that were brainstormed: Which does each student think he/she would like to select? Why? Who is effected by the topic? Why would it be important to educate the public or to find a solution?
 * **Helpful Resource:** the [|Student-Led Discussion Guide] on the [|PBL MM web site].

Step 3: Why Haven't These Problems Been Solved?

 * 1) Have students brainstorm reasons why some of these community health problems have not been solved. Have each student write down at least five explanations as to why he/she think these issues have not been addressed.

Step 4: Selecting Topics & Breaking into Groups

 * 1) Individually, have students think about which topics they are interested in working on;
 * 2) Divide students into small work groups (no more than four students to a group) by topic;
 * 3) These will the Production Teams for the rest of the unit.
 * **Helpful Resource:** the [|Production Teams] on the [|PBL MM web site].

Step 5: Clarifying Topics

 * 1) Clarify choice of a topic through an initial discussion of community need and support;
 * **Variation:** Have students journal about these questions;
 * **Variation:** Have each Production Team create a (single) written brief answering the questions.

Questions to Ask About Your Health Issue (Internet access might be helpful):
 * 1) Are there specific reasons that the health issue that you have chosen stands out as important in your community?
 * 2) Has it been in the news?
 * 3) Is it a political issue?
 * 4) Can you find evidence of medical research on your topic?
 * 5) What segment(s) of the population does it affect?

Attribution:
//Solving Health Problems in Your Community//, Health Career Resource Center, pp.57-58 ([|download PDF])