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Subject

English Language Arts (2005)

Assessment

Students will be assessed on the creation of a public service announcement (PSA) that showcases a specific type of cancer.

Lights, Camera...Take Action!

Learning Context/ Introduction

Cancer is the second most common cause of death among Americans under the age of 85, exceeded only by heart disease. In 2007, it is projected that 559,650 Americans will die of cancer, translating to roughly 1 out of every 4 deaths.

With such staggering statistics, it is likely that many students have been touched in some way by this disease. This activity aims to raise student awareness of various types of cancer, while also providing a public service that presents the measures that can be taken to prevent cancer in America. These goals will be accomplished through the students' creation of a videotaped public service announcement.

• 2007 Cancer Statistics

Duration

1 week:

Day 1: Introduction

Day 2: Research

Days 3 & 4: Skit Creation

Day 5: Videotaping

Essential Question

Why is cancer awareness so important?

Procedure

1. Briefly review cell division with students and explain the definition of cancer.
2. Give students a brief overview of recent cancer statistics.
3. Watch the video "From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition."
4. Divide students into pairs, and hand out PSA guidelines.
5. Direct students to the American Cancer Society website to choose their cancer and begin research.
6. Direct students to cancer services website to find out what month and color are associated with their specific cancer type.
7. Have students develop a skit for their PSA. Have craft materials such as markers, paper, etc. handy for charts, graphs, or other things the students may think to include in their PSA.
8. Videotape each pair's PSA.

Website(s)

Cancer Awareness
Video: From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor
American Cancer Society
NOVA- Cancer Warrior

Related Academic Standards

New York State

ELA1.C.SW2B Students present a controlling idea that conveys an individual perspective and insight into the topic.

MST4.C.LE.LE.1.2 Students describe and explain the structures and functions of the human body at different organizational levels (e.g., systems, tissues, cells, organelles).

MST4.C.LE.LE.5.2 Students explain disease as a failure of homeostasis.