CBC Archives

Have students brainstorm the things they know of that are done to keep us healthy or prevent illness (for example, vaccinations, enriching flour, fluoridating water). Record their ideas and then ask students to identify which are voluntary and which are involuntary. Focus on the involuntary measures. Ask: Do you think the government/doctors/adults have the right to put these measures in place? Why or why not?

Place students in groups of three. Direct each group to the topic The Fluoride Debate on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Assign groups to view one of these three sets of clips: Clips #1, 2, 3; Clips #4 and 5; Clips #6 and 7. Students should look for the following information:

What concerns do people have? Why?

What are the positive effects of fluoridation?

How does over-fluoridation happen? What are its effects?

Do all scientists and doctors agree on the positive and negative effects of fluoridation?

What ways, if any, are there to avoid ingesting fluoridated substances?

Have groups discuss what they have found and prepare a brief summary of their information and their impressions of the debate over this issue.

Ask each group to make a brief presentation to share its findings. Compare their new knowledge with the notes from Before Exploring and ask students whether their opinion has changed.

Assessment Tip
Students can answer the question in their journal or submit a written response for assessment purposes.

Students can explore other controversial health practices and write an opinion paper to support their position.