Pandemics

Title: The Avian Flu: Is All The Hype For The Birds?

Author: Rene Ribant-Amthor

Grade Level: 9-11

Subject/Content: English/Persuasive Essay Writing

Summary of Lesson: Students read articles about the avian flu and then write a persuasive essay about its threat.

Focus Question: Is the avian flu a serious threat?

Databases(s): Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center, Student Resource Center Gold

Procedures:

Steps/Activities by teacher:

1. Instruct students to access Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.
2. Have students search and read “The Young People’s Plague” and “Is Bird Flu Overhyped?”
3. Discuss the threats and risks involved with the bird flu and whether or not the hype associated with it is justified.
4. Instruct students to read at least three more articles about the bird flu on their own.
5. Tell the students to pick a side and begin preparing to write a persuasive essay persuading the read to take the bird flu seriously or to deny the hype.
6. Instruct students to access Student Resource Center Gold and select “Toolbox” from the toolbar.
7. Instruct students to select How to Build an Argument from the options.
8. Instruct students to complete the “printable worksheet” and begin writing the rough draft of their essay.

Steps/Activities by student(s):

1. Students will access Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.
2. Students will search for and read “The Young People’s Plague” and “Is Bird Flu Overhyped?”
3. Students will discuss the threats and risks involved with the bird flu and whether or not the hype associated with it is justified.
4. Students will read at least three more articles about the bird flu on their own.
5. Students will pick a side and begin preparing to write a persuasive essay persuading the read to take the bird flu seriously or to deny the hype.
6. Students will access Student Resource Center Gold and select “Toolbox” from the toolbar.
7. Students will select How to Build an Argument from the options.
8. Students will complete the “printable worksheet” and begin writing the rough draft of their essay.

Outcome: Students will read opposing viewpoints regarding the hype surrounding the avian flu and formulate an opinion on the matter. They will use their own opinion and research to write a persuasive essay.

Related Activities: Students participate in a classroom debate focusing on the avian flu.

Standard Date: Approved 1998

Content Standard(s):

• NL-ENG.K12.1: Reading for Perspective
• NL-ENG.K12.3: Evaluation Strategies
• NL-ENG.K12.4: Communication Skills
• NL-ENG.K12.5: Communication Strategies
• NL-ENG.K12.6: Applying Knowledge
• NL-ENG.K-12.8: Developing Research Skills
• NL-ENG.K12.12: Applying Language Skills

Performance Indicators:

• At Level 1, the student is able to:
  • Read various points of view on the same topic and process the information from both sides.
• At Level 2, the student is able to:
  • Use the information to formulate an opinion on the topic.
• At Level 3, the student is able to:
  • Communicate their opinion in a persuasive essay.

Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:

• The student will demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of computer based technology.
• The student will develop skills using a variety of computer resources to increase productivity, support creativity, conduct and evaluate research and improve communications.
• The student will use technology resources to improve problem solving and decision making skills and apply these skills to real world situations.

ISTE NETS for Students

• Basic Operations and concepts
• Social, ethical, and human issues
• Technology productivity tools
• Technology communications tools
• Technology research tools

Information Power; Information Literacy Standards:

• Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.
• Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.
• Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.
• Standard 4: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and pursues information related to personal interests.
• Standard 6: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation.