Title: Actions: Pros & Cons

Overview & Outcomes:

In Actions Lesson 3 students identified the action category for each of the actions generated for GAC in Actions Lessons 1 and 2. All actions taken toward the resolution of an STS issue have possible positive and negative consequences. Students examine the pros and cons of their possible actions on GAC in this lesson. The ideas generated here will be used in Actions Lesson 5 as the feasibility of the actions is examined.

This lesson helps learners:

• identify the pros and cons of each suggested action.

The concept map found in Actions Lesson 1 shows model relationships among concepts Actions Lessons 1 through 6 seek to develop.

Background Notes for the Teacher:

Working in small groups, students will determine the positive and negative consequences of the actions they have listed. Using the list from yesterday, teacher must divide each category of action equally between groups so that each group receives a balance of actions from each of the four categories. Groups then list possible pros and cons associated with taking each action. At the end of class the group papers must be collected in order to make copies for use in the next lesson.

Additional Teacher References.

Hungerford et al. (Investigating and Evaluating Environmental Issues and Action: Skill Development Modules. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing Company).

Lewis, Barbara A. (1991). The Kids Guidebook to Social Action. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. $14.95, (612) 338-2068 ISBN: 0-915793-29-6

Materials:

For class.

1. List of actions generated in earlier lesson.

For each group of 4 or 5 students.

1. Handout: ACTIONS: PROS & CONS

Preparation:

Divide action list from Lesson 3 into equal parts for class groups.

Make copies of handout ACTIONS: PROS & CONS.

Instructional Procedures: (1 Day, 40 minutes)

1. Divide class into groups of four or five. Divide the class list of possible actions from Lesson 3 into equal parts. Each part should include examples of actions from each of the four types of actions. Assign one portion of the actions list to each group for them to analyze in this lesson.
2. Distribute handout ACTIONS: PROS & CONS.
3. Have a recorder in each group write the actions assigned to their group in the space provided.
4. Using the list of actions, have each group determine the pros and cons of each action.
5. Record Pros & Cons on the ACTIONS: PROS & CONS handout. Instruct students to leave the column entitled "Rankings" blank. It will be used in the next lesson.
6. As each group completes their analyses, one member of each group becomes the group's messenger and takes their group's list to the next group. Members of the new group analyze the list and make additions before the messenger moves on to the next group. This is repeated until all groups have examined all the actions.
7. Collect the papers from the messengers for each group and make copies of all the comments for each group to use in Lesson 5.

Assessment/Portfolio Items:

Journal entry.

Possible journal questions might include:

• What would be the most difficult action for you to take?
• Would you take an action that your friends did not agree with? Why or why not?
• Would you take an action if it meant spending more money for something you liked?
• What might be the consequences of no action?

                                                                   S#1 S#2 S#3 S#4 S#5 
       ACTIONS                 PROS                  CONS                              

                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                                                                                       

Click Here to go to Action Lesson 5: Action Feasibility