If you teach health, sociology, ethics, or a class that addresses controversial issues, this resource related to schools' sex education programs may be useful. The New York Times' Learning Network provides a lengthy article on a unique...

Two options for a health class project are presented in this assignment: a persuasive paper or an advocacy project. The persuasive paper is on students' choice of controversial topics, most of which require a high level of maturity. The...

Don't underestimate the value of a clean mouth! Here is a six-lesson unit that details everything a youngster needs to know about oral hygiene. It includes lessons on the purpose of a mouth and teeth, the nature of oral...

Ever-changing fashion fads are the ideal context for an engaging sociology experiment for adolescents. Through research and conducting a survey, learners draw conclusions about the controversial jelly bracelets fad, banned in some...

Twelfth graders explore controversy around genetically modified foods, identify source of controversy, and role play town hall meeting on genetically modified foods, to examine viewpoints and arguments for and against genetic modification.

Students create age-appropriate, informational brochures examining health topics relating to sex, after learning about federally funded abstinence-only sex education.

Students identify and articulate pros and cons of genetically modified foods (GMF) including references to scale of controversy worldwide. Students then identify where they might find GMFs in their diets, read different opinion pieces on...

Students read an article describing a controversial new theory for treating anorexia nervosa, research other eating disorders, simulate case studies and suggest possible treatment for these cases.

Learners explore the controversial 'harm reduction' approach to drug use and debate the various sides to this approach.

Ninth graders examine the relationship between AIDS and teenagers. In groups, they discuss the various issues educators face in introducing the topic to teenagers in school. As a class, they brainstorm a list of the misconceptions they...

Twelfth graders in an ESL classroom use the internet to research the causes of AIDS. As a class, they discuss the topics mentioned in the various websites and determine if they are viable causes for the disease. They create a...

Third graders write about their feelings and thought for 10 minutes. They color an image that corresponds with their feeling and present their feeling poster. They write about their thoughts and daily feelings to help them reflect and...

Seventh graders examine the factors that are contributing to the degrading of the Earth's environment. In groups, they analyze the types of hazards when dealing with pests and give an example of each. For each situation given, they...

On day one of the "Organic Mechanic Part I" lesson plan, learners try to remove the waxy coating of an apple and consider pesticides that may be represented by this addition to our food. On day two, they research pesticides online and...

Students explore the American anti-abortion movement's "incremental" approach to legislation; they then evaluate key decisions, regulations, and legislation from the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, to the present.

Students consider the bioethical dilemmas faced by doctors and write case studies about relevant issues within a particular medical decision.

Students explore the health risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses. They research other cosmetic modes of expression that can pose health risks and debate whether these practices should remain legal.

Students study the effects of dietary supplements on bodily functions.  For this health lesson students calculate their caloric needs and research dietary supplements. 

Learners view a short video about diseases that are most common today and what ones were common fifty years ago. They examine demographic trends in developing and industrialized countries. They research life expectancy, birth rate and...

Students examine why the United States did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol. They develop their own opinion on the Protocol and share them with the class. They also discover how scientific data may be organized to use in a debate.

Students investigate the philosophy of health as outlined in the FLASH curriculum. They practice how to appreciate and respect themselves in respect to sexuality and overall wellness. There is also a section of the lesson that focuses on...

Young scholars share opinions about common vaccines, then consider facts and opinions about the HPV vaccine and hold a fishbowl and discussion. They survey members of the community to determine their perspectives on the issue.

This article addresses concerns and controversies often surrounding the topics of dieting and weight control. Here, learn how weight is affected through diet and exercise and read tips on how to maintain a healthy weight and body image.