Eating Disorders in Teenagers

Leonor Corchado

John Kennedy High School

Introduction:

Eating disorders are a health threat to our teenagers. Many of them are victims of these disorders because of the media frenzy surrounding physical image. You are a Public Policy Analyst interested in these escalating problems. You want to find some solutions to minimize these secret health issues.

Tasks:

As a Public Policy Analyst you will produce and submit for grading the following work:

A. Complete worksheets

B. A written report which:

a) Explains the background of the social problem,

b) Analyses current policies affecting the Eating Disorders in Teenagers

c) Makes recommendations for a new public policy.

Create a PowerPoint presentation on “Eating Disorders in Teenagers”

You must cite at least 3 on-line sources where you obtained the information necessary to create your written report.

Process:

The students will be following the Public Policy Analyst (PPA) method of solving a social problem. Working in groups of four, you will complete worksheets 1-6 on the TIPS website.

1: Define the problem: Identify the nature of the social problem as presented in the above introduction.

2. Gather Evidence: Gather evidence to support the existence of this problem in American teenagers.

3. Identify Causes: Determine the causes and factors contributing to these eating behaviors.

4. Evaluate policies: Evaluate the existing policy to deal with the problem.

5. Develop Solutions: Develop public policy alternatives to alleviate this problem.

6. Select Best Solution: Determine the best public policy solution to the problem.

Internet Resources:

Public Policy Analyst Website

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips.html

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/welcome.html

Websites:

Search Engines

Evaluation: Report Content (70%)

1) Neat and well-organized appearance to the report 5 pts

2) Logical/sequential presentation of relevant information representing all sources 5 pts

3) Well balanced presentation of topic 5 pts

4) Report written in the students own words 5 pts

5) Substantial evidence that the problem does exist 10 pts

6) Identification of the main causes of the problem 10 pts

7) Identification and critique of at least one major existing public policy. 10 pts

8) Proposal of at least two new/original public policy alternatives. 10 pts

9) Expression of student opinions/ideas/conjectures in

selecting the best public policy solution 10 pts

PowerPoint Presentation (30%)

Title is clear and informative 5 pts

The background color, text and font are easy to read/look at 5 pts

There are links to PPA steps 5 pts

There was an internal consistency throughout the presentation 5 pts

Pictures/Graphics/Animation/Sound are appropriate 5 pts

Your presentation consists of a minimum of 7-10 slides 5 pts

NEW YORK STATE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Science

S5e - Identifies problems; proposes and implants solutions; and evaluates the accuracy, design and outcomes of investigations.

S5f - Works individually and in teams to collect and share information and ideas.

S6b - Records and stores data using a variety of formats

S6d - Acquires information from multiple sources.

S7a - Represents data and results in multiple ways

S7b - Argues from evidence

English

E1c- Read and comprehend informational materials

E2a- Produce a report of information

E3b- Participate in group meetings.

Conclusion:

By the end of this group work, the class will have a better understanding of the eating disorders in teenagers. They will be more knowledgeable about the causes of this problem and will be able to suggest alternative solutions to minimize these problems.