created by Sandra Mazzei

Grade: 6/7

Critical Task: Students will form a judgement as to what should be done about teen violence.

Overview: The students will review recent violent events on Vancouver Island and solutions that are being proposed. They will review and consider the suggested background knowledge before forming their own positions. Their positions will be supported with reasons and evidence drawn from the background knowledge.

• Discussion of recent teen murders in local area (Victoria and Nanaimo).
• What is the Young Offender's Act?
• Curfews for teens have been put in place in other communities.
• The teen murdered in Victoria recently was in foster care. Some people blame the Social Services System.
• Some say violence is not increasing.
• Teens in large groups- some say pack mentality.
• Others feel parents should be made responsible for damages by their children.
• More severe sentences.
• Boot camps (military camps).

• The students will support their arguments with reasons (evidence and examples) of what, if anything, should be done about teen violence.

• assumptions
• evidence
• fairness
• consensus

• Group management strategies: taking turns, listening to others, respecting other's opinions.
• Verbally defending judgements.

• Self-monitoring
• Independent-minded

Step A) Gain and review background knowledge

• In-class discussion on local teen violence episodes.
• Group research into: Young Offenders Act, Social Services Act, Crime Statistics

Step B) Form opinions

• Synthesize research findings to discover common contributing elements, if any.
• Discuss solutions, both in place and proposed.
• Brainstorm ideas and make judgements on own positions.

Step C) Submit positions for evaluation

• Prepare a written statement, clearly defining the problem, giving alternatives, and stating own positions with supporting evidence.
• Pair/Share strategy to discuss realistic solutions.

Grade 6, Grade 7

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