Introduction
As a teen health consumer bombarded by advertising and “friendly” advice, it is important that you to learn how to evaluate information that might help or hurt you, your family or your friends.
Process: Choose one topic from the list below that you find really interesting and relevant. You will research the topic and deliver sound advice to the class.
Resources: You will research your topic, keeping good notes, that you will hand in for marking ( Download note-taking sheet. or scroll down to see it) You must fill in at least 2 excellent sites and 2 database articles. Cite your sources on the last slide! Try this very cool search engine that allows you to choose the most relevant result from a list of credible results, without the distraction of unreliable sites.
Product: Prepare a visual power point or Google presentation. You must include:
- Pro /yes side of the issue
- Con /no side of the issue
- Your advice to teens
- An explanation to justify your views (including quotes or facts).
Citation: Here's how to properly format your Works Cited page. Download instructions.
Topics:
- Is excessive texting harmful?
- How can you safely listen to your iPod or MP3 player?
- Are tanning salons safe?
- Can drinking too many energy drinks be harmful?
- Is bottled water safer and healthier than tap water - or should you save your money?
- Should we be taking a multivitamin for good health or is a healthy diet enough?
- Does long-term use of antiperspirants cause Alzheimer’s?
- Is being a vegetarian a good idea for a growing teen?
- Is it worth paying more for organic food?
- Does carrying a heavy backpack in high school result in back problems later in life?
- Is it safe to use creative to try and build bulk?
- Why might antidepressants be dangerous to give teenagers? Would you recommend it for a good friend who is depressed?
- Does the excessive playing of violent videogames cause people to become violent
- Can we be too clean? I.e. some argue that our obsession with cleansers and antibacterial gels is creating superbugs.
- Is it worth taking Echinacea or Cold Effects when you feel like you are catching a cold?
- When trying to quit smoking, do Nicorette or the cessation patches work?
- Should we be using non-stick pans in our kitchens?
- Do over-the-counter acne medications work?
- Is drinking too much diet pop harmful?
- When do you know you are addicted to video games?
- Can excessive cell phone use have harmful effects on the brain – especially children and teenagers whose brains are still developing?
- Is aspartame safe?
- Is teeth whitening safe for teenagers?
- Do commercial weight loss programs work? I.e. Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, etc.
- A controversial health topic of your choice. Please check with teacher.
Evaluation:
30 - Research worksheets (Learning how to search, take & organize notes is important!)
40 - Presentation (Including Works Cited slide)
10 - Notes of other student presentations (to ensure that you focus on, & learn from others)
20 - Quiz of the research process
100 - Total marks
Marking Rubric for Presentation
Scan the rubric below to see the qualities of a 5-Excellent presentation. Then watch this sample presentation.
How strong is it? What can you improve on it?
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CATEGORY |
5 Excellent |
4 Good |
3 Adequate |
2 Poor |
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Comprehensive Content |
Project includes all material needed to gain a comfortable understanding of the topic. |
Project includes most material needed to gain a comfortable understanding of the material but lacks a few facts. |
Project lacks many facts. |
Project lacks several key elements and has inaccuracies. |
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Clarity of content |
Slides are in point form. Content is in words that are understandable. |
Most slides are in point form. Content, for the most part, is in language that is understandable. |
Some of the content seems copied without an understanding of what is stated.
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Content seems plagiarized.
Heavy use of text. |
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Mechanics |
Presentation has no misspellings or grammatical errors. |
Presentation has a few misspellings and grammatical errors. |
Presentation has several grammatical errors and misspellings. |
Presentation has many grammatical and/or spelling errors. |
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Visuals |
Text (e.g., color, bold, italic) was easy to read. Excellent visuals. |
Text was fairly easy to read. Good visuals. |
Text may be a little hard to read. Visuals lacking or do not make |
Font formatting makes it very difficult to read the material. |
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Sequencing of Information |
Information is organized in a clear, logical way. |
Most information is organized in a clear, logical way. One item of information seems out of place. |
Some information is logically sequenced. An ocassional item seems out of place. |
There is no clear plan for the organization of information. |
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Presentation |
Presenters spoke clearly and loudly and seemed to know what they were talking about. |
Presenters needed reminders to speak clearly and loudly. They had an idea of what they were talking about. |
Presenters were difficult to hear and read off the slides. |
Presenters were difficult to hear, and were awkward when presenting. |
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Works Cited entries |
- Six or more sources listed (for a pair) - Three or more for an individual |
- 3-4 sources listed (for a pair) - 2 for an individual |
- 2-3 sources listed (for a pair) - 1 for an individual |
- 1 source listed |
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Works Cited format |
Alphabetical. Correct indents. |
Not alphabetical or not indented. |
An attempt was made. Many errors. |
Is very disorganized and lacks any format |
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Fill in sheet - Research Notes: Analyzing Health Information
1. Question of teen health that I am exploring
2. Keywords I used to find information
3. My Notes - Download Download and fill in as many copies of note-taking template as you need.
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Source 1: Text and images cut and pasted here
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Citation for Source 1: Key information into Citation Machine MLA and paste here.
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What are the writer’s arguments, pro or con? (In your own words)
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What is the writer’s evidence to support this argument? Statistics, quotes, etc.
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What is the Perspective or Bias of Source 1?
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