Eighth Grade Curriculum Resources
Standard of Learning
8.1 The student will analyze and evaluate the relationship between health-risk behaviors and the onset of health problems that can impact health and wellness during the adolescent years. Key concepts/skills include
- the pathogenic, genetic, age, cultural, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence the degree of risk for contracting specific diseases;
- the roles of preventative health measures, immunization, and treatment in disease prevention;
- the short- and long-term health issues related to alcohol abuse and tobacco use;
- the impact of failing to recognize issues related to emotional and mental health;
- the health risks associated with feelings of immortality and invincibility;
- the consequences of involvement in potentially dangerous situations;
- the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle;
- the risk factors associated with communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
Understanding the Standard
The student will understand the health risks associated with feelings of immortality.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
The student will:
- define immortality and reasons why young people may feel invincible.
- list activities which contribute/reinforce feelings of immortality.
- identify individuals who choose to participate in extreme sports or other high-risk activities.
- discuss the consequences of situations where feelings of immortality override rational thoughts.
Sample Lessons
In the Mix: "Suicide Prevention"
Grade(s): 7-12
This lesson plan is designed for students in middle school and all the way up through high school. Students will use cards to sort and understand a large quantity of information regarding suicidal teens, then apply what they learn to analyses of case studies
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/lessons/depression2/index.html
Free
Kids and Guns
Grades 4-8
This lesson will help kids discuss their fears and questions about handgun violence, using the tragedy at Columbine High School as a focus.
http://www.nickjr.com/teachers/lesson_plans/kids_and_guns.jhtml?_template=teachers
Sponsor: Nick Jr.
Free
Risky Business
Grades 6-12
Through this lesson students will review the possible consequences of making risky choices, become familiar with statistics involving teens, and create and play a board game designed to show how bad choices can lead to setbacks.
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/riskyBusiness/
Sponsor: Discovery Education
Free
Samaritans: "Understanding Self-Injury"
Grade(s): 8-10
In this lesson students will be taught to challenge misconceptions surrounding self-injury, and to discuss routes to find help and support. Along with learning those skills, students will also learn to practice how to help support someone who is self injuring and to understand what self-injury is.
http://www.samaritans.org/pdf/B2UnderstandingSelf.pdf
Free
Samaritans" "Understanding Suicide"
Grade(s): 8-10
In this lesson students will identify when someone may be seriously considering suicide and will dispel some of the myths and misunderstandings about suicide. Then while participating in those activities, they will learn about some of the ways that students may be able to help someone who is feeling suicidal.
http://www.samaritans.org/pdf/B3UnderstandingSuicide.pdf
Free
Additional Instructional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control – http://www.cdc.gov
- Counselors and School Psychologists
- Local Mental Health Agencies
- Local Psychiatrists and Psychologists
- Risk Watch – http://www.nfpa.org/riskwatch/about.html
- Toolkit for Health and Mental Health Care – http://toolkit.ncjrs.org
Assessment Ideas
The student will:
- identify individuals who are considered risk-takers and discuss why they take these risks.
- compare and contrast high-risk activities or behaviors that were prevalent 20 to 50 years ago to those of today.
- interview parents, grandparents, or other adults to identify activities considered risky when they were teens.
