Fitz+Reflection

Overall I was happy with the lesson. the students had a chance to research variuos topics concerning childhood obesity (causes and effects) and government initiatives on health.The students developed "pro' and "con" viewpoints on the different topics.They were able to read articles and view videos on the topics and develop their own opinion, which is based on their research. I think I would have started the editorial process earlier in the lesson. It seemed a little rushed at the end, and there wasn't enough time to share all of the editorials. I also would have taken time to allow the students to view editorials, and not just read them.Cam Studio worked well, but I would like to find a program where the student can also appear on the "screen" while the video playing, like you may see on a television newscast. I thought the lesson went well and the students did a good job considering it was the first time this lesson was presented. I can also use the completed editorials as models for the next class that works on this lesson. The students were also able to make connections betwen their work and real world experiences. The idea to include the possible banning of Ronald McDonald from commercials as a part of our editorial assignment, came from actual news stories about a movement to McDonalds stop using the Ronald McDonald character from trying to sell McDonald's fast food. A number of students asked if they could use this particular topic for their assignment since they had heard, read, or saw a news story about this campaign.Some students felt that McDonald's food was not healthy, and a clown, like toys with happy meals, should not be used to try and persuade chlidren from eating at McDonalds. One student pointed to the Ronald McDonald House and many of the charities that benefit from McDonalds. A connection was also made with last year's issue involving a soda tax in a Philadelphia. As students researched the topic, the issue came up again in the city, as Mayor Nutter sought re-introduce the tax as a way of raising money for the schools district. These connections helped to reaffirm the idea of using this teaching model as not only a way for students to learn about research, but also to be aware and understand current events.