Thinking Like a Citizen

Level: Grades 7 to 9

Overview

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In this lesson, students explore various avenues for expressing concern and influencing public opinion about the health hazards of smoking. Students assume the role of social activists, and brainstorm ways of focusing media attention on the risks of smoking.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

an awareness of the role that activism plays in promoting awareness of issues such as tobacco
an understanding of the difference between constructive forms of activism, and negative forms

Preparation and Materials

For ideas on how to conduct discussion groups on this topic, see Guidelines for Peer-Led Discussion Groups, on the sidebar.

Photocopy the student handout:

Activists Say No to Tobacco

Procedure

Class Discussion: 10 min

Tell students that they are going to assume the role of concerned citizens who feel that smoking kills too many people, and brings down the quality of life for both smokers and nonsmokers. They feel that people are being misled and exploited by the tobacco industry. They want to do something about it, because they are assertive problem-solvers.

Explore the notion of problem-solving styles in this context:

When is saying 'no' assertive, and when is it aggressive and counterproductive?
When does 'taking a stand' become an infringement on the rights of others?
When do good intentions turn sour because of inappropriate action?
Discuss current and historical examples of social activism.

Ask students to suggest the types of social action available to them, such as: education in schools or through the media, influencing legislation, organizing boycotts, networking, rallies, etc.

Review the creative strategies outlined in Activists Say No to Tobacco.

Which strategies do students feel would be most effective? Why?
Many of these organizations have a Web presence. What role does/can the Internet play in promoting activism and public awareness?

Activity

Small Group Activity: 20 min

Divide the class into groups. Tell students that their goal is to increase public awareness about the risks of smoking. Because each group is working with a small budget and can't afford expensive TV commercials or education programs, they will try to achieve their goal through other means.
Review guidelines for brainstorming (all ideas are accepted, and all students have a chance to contribute). A note-taker records the group's ideas on a large sheet of paper taped to the wall or spread on the floor. At the end, the group assesses the pros and cons of each suggestion. Finally, the group decides on the strategy, or combination of strategies, it thinks will be most effective.

Class Discussion: 10 min

Bring the class back together, and ask the note-takers to present the proposed strategies of their groups. Discuss the feasibility, appropriateness, and effectiveness of each approach.

Extension

As a class, develop and implement an awareness campaign for your school.

Evaluation

Group campaigns and presentations.

Encourage students to use the Internet to research current activities of activist groups. A list of Web sites to get them started is provided on the sidebar of this page.