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Right to Die?
Project type: Introductory Activity
Related topic:
Sue Rodriguez and the Right-To-Die Debate
Sue Rodriguez and the Right-To-Die Debate
Subjects
History
Social Studies
Political Science
Social Studies
Political Science
Summary
In this introductory activity, students will work in groups to collect information about the right-to-die debate, and present their findings to the rest of the class.
Duration
2 lessons
Purpose
To collect, organize, and present information
Before Exploring
Explain to students that, in class, they will be examining a controversial topic. Divide the students into groups of four or five. Give each group a piece of chart paper and a marker and write the word euthanasia on the board. Ask students to record on their chart paper all of the ideas, facts, and opinions they have on this topic. After a few minutes ask one member to bring the chart paper up to the front of the class to be displayed.
Spend some time as a class reviewing each group’s work. Define the term euthanasia and explain that while it is illegal for people to take their own life (or have someone help them do it) some people have fought to have that right.
Write the name Sue Rodriguez on the board. Ask if anyone has heard of her and what they know about her. Explain that they will be investigating her fight to end her own life.
Spend some time as a class reviewing each group’s work. Define the term euthanasia and explain that while it is illegal for people to take their own life (or have someone help them do it) some people have fought to have that right.
Write the name Sue Rodriguez on the board. Ask if anyone has heard of her and what they know about her. Explain that they will be investigating her fight to end her own life.
Outline the Opportunity
Assign each of 6 groups to view the following clips, and the Did You Know? sections that accompany them on Sue Rodriguez and the Right-to-Die Debate on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site:
Group 1: Clip 2
Group 2: Clips 1 and 3
Group 3: Clips 4 and 5
Group 4: Clips 6 and 7
Group 5: Clips 8 and 9
Group 6: Clips 10 and 11
Provide each group with the download sheet What Is the Right-to-Die Debate?, as well as the sheet copied onto an overhead transparency. As they work, students will record their findings on paper. Then they will organize their information on the overhead sheet in preparation to present them to the class.
Group 1: Clip 2
Group 2: Clips 1 and 3
Group 3: Clips 4 and 5
Group 4: Clips 6 and 7
Group 5: Clips 8 and 9
Group 6: Clips 10 and 11
Provide each group with the download sheet What Is the Right-to-Die Debate?, as well as the sheet copied onto an overhead transparency. As they work, students will record their findings on paper. Then they will organize their information on the overhead sheet in preparation to present them to the class.
Revisit and Reflect
Invite each group, in order from 1 to 6, to present its findings to the class. When presentations are finished, give students a few moments to write in their journals a response to what they have heard.
Extension
Students can listen to the Additional Clip “Behind the Supreme Court’s Decision” and make note for themselves. Using their notes, they can write an opinion paragraph or essay outlining their argument either for or against the legalization of assisted suicide.
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