Home · For Teachers · The Fuss over Fluoride
6-8
The Fuss over Fluoride
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
The Fluoride Debate
The Fluoride Debate
Subjects
Science
Summary
Students complete a scavenger hunt to gather information on the fluoride issue.
Duration
1 to 2 lessons
Purpose
To identify the issues and opinions underlying the fluoride debate
Before Exploring
If students have completed the activity What Is Fluoridation All About? have them share the information they know about fluoridation. (If they have not completed the activity, they can do it now or they can brainstorm.) Record the information on chart paper but do not judge any of it.
Outline the Opportunity
Divide students into groups of three or four and direct them to the topic The Fluoride Debate on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Provide each group with the download sheet The Fuss over Fluoride. Students will search the clips to find the answers to the questions. Students should assign tasks to each group member so that the group works efficiently. You might consider doing this activity as a timed event.
Revisit and Reflect
Using what they have recorded on their scavenger hunt sheet, students revisit the information previously recorded on the board or chart paper. Ask them to identify any misinformation recorded. If there is information on the board that was not addressed in the clips, help students to develop strategies to determine whether the information is or isn’t correct.
Extension
Students can use the information they have gathered to prepare a poster or a multi-media presentation presenting their view on the issue of fluoridation.
