Activity
Day 1 (1
period)
Introduce the activity by asking students to respond
to the following questions:
1. How many of you use sunscreen?
2. How many of you have used a tanning bed?
3. Should states require parental permission for teens
to use tanning beds?
4. Why do you think teens keep tanning, despite the risks?
Have
the students read the following two articles; “California
bill bans teens in tanning booths” and “Dying
to be Tan”
Have them discuss the following questions in groups
of 2-3 after reading the articles:
1. Why is the rate of melanoma rising? Before introducing this lesson provide
a lecture on the Executive Departments. A recommended web site for background
information is: http://www.firstgov.gov/Agencies/Federal/Executive.shtml
2. Follow up the lecture by asking the students to rank the departments (1)
most important and (15) least important. Tell them that they will defend
their ranking with the rest of the class.
3. What measures have governments (local, state, or federal) taken to deal
with the rise of melanoma in the United States?
4. Brainstorm with your group on possible actions the government could take
to lower the risk of skin cancer in the United States.
Day
2 (1
period)
Divide the class into three groups. Assign one group the article The Skin Cancer
Foundation: The Case Against Indoor Tanning and the second group the article
As Sun Safety Grows, So Do The Benefits of Sunless Tanning and the third group
the article Sun Protection in Children
Before
students read the articles assign them the following
scenario:
You
have been employed by the Food and Drug Administration
to investigate the prospect of placing more regulations
on artificial tanning products. In addition you
are to consider a proposal by the American Medical
Association,
which is asking the Department of Education to
implement sun awareness programs in schools. As
you read your
article create a “T” chart using the
following format
|
FOR
REGULATIONS |
|
AGAINST
REGULATIONS |
|
After students have completed the reading have them work with the students
who read the other two articles. They should compare their charts and add more
information from the discussion with their partners.
The
groups should also address the issue of implementing
sun awareness programs in the schools. Should
the Department of Education mandate sun awareness education
in all public schools? What are the pros and cons of such a program?
Closure
Hold a class discussion on the following questions:
1. What regulations should the FDA impose on artificial tanning products?
2. Should the Department of Education mandate sun awareness programs in the
public schools? Why/why not?
Homework
None |
