Margaret Mead. Team Pack. Decision-Making. for Middle-School Girls

Transcription

1 Margaret Mead Authors: Elaine Taylor, M.S. Craig Conley, M.A. Barbara V. Toops, B.A. Anita Smart, M.A.E. Margaret Steinheimer, M.S. Natalie S. Small, Ph.D. Parker A. Small, Jr., M.D. Decision-Making Team Pack for Middle-School Girls These materials were developed by the University of Florida College 1997 by the Center for Cooperative Learning of Medicine Center for Cooperative Learning. 10/97 Student 1

2 Marie Curie Hello, everyone. Let s begin by introducing ourselves. I ll go first. My name is Marie Curie. Born in Poland in 1867, I was a wife, mother, and scientist. I m famous for making basic discoveries in the field of radio-activity. I perfected x- ray techniques. I won two Nobel Prizes for my study of radioactive elements. My work contributed to the under-standing of atoms on which modern nuclear physics is based. Rachel Carson, it s your turn. Rachel Carson Thanks, Marie. I lived from 1907 to As an American biologist, I had a great impact on the environmental movement. In my book Silent Spring, I warned the public of the dangers to plants, animals and humans of continual unrestricted use of pesticides. I was responsible for arousing worldwide concern for saving the environment. Marian Wright Edelman, it s your turn. Marian Edelman Thanks, Rachel. I m a wife, mother, and lawyer. I graduated from the Yale Law School, beginning my career in the 1960s as the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar. I m the founder and president of the Children s Defense Fund. I m an advocate for American children and families. I educate the nation about preventing children from getting sick, dropping out of school, getting pregnant too early, or getting into trouble. Margaret Mead, it s your turn. Margaret Mead Thanks, Marian. I was a wife, mother, and American anthropologist. I lived from 1901 to I m widely known for my studies of primitive societies. I traveled to New Guinea, Samoa, and Bali to conduct field research. I was very interested in how children were raised in various cultures. I also analyzed many problems in American society, particularly those affecting young people. I specialized in child care, adolescence, and sexual behavior. Marie, please get us started. Student 2 10/97

3 Marie Curie Today we re going to puberty, which has to do with body changes during adolescence. Many factors influence the starting of puberty, such as general health, exercise, diet, genetics, and stress. When does puberty occur in girls and boys? Margaret Mead listen Puberty involves some big changes. That makes a lot of people uptight and confused. Some people are embarassed even to puberty. But in many cultures, rather than being embarrassed, they celebrate puberty with rites of passage. Does anybody know anything about this? The young people of the community are welcomed into the adult world with special rituals. The rituals may involve new clothing, fancy decorations, singing, dancing, music, and food. Growing up is a natural part of life, so why not celebrate! Do you think we celebrate puberty in our culture? Give examples. Marian Edelman Let s talk about what happens during puberty. We ll fill in listen the charts as we the answers. First, what happens to both guys and girls during puberty? Changes Typical of Both Guys and Girls: 10/97 Student 3

4 listen Next, what changes are unique to guys and what changes are unique to girls? Changes Unique to Guys: Changes Unique to Girls: Rachel Carson listen It was just mentioned that one of the steps of puberty for females is menstruation. What exactly is menstruation? Marie Curie It was also mentioned that guys experience wet dreams during puberty. What does that mean? Student 4 10/97

5 Margaret Mead We ve been using a lot of vocabulary about the male and female body. Before we go on, let s make sure we re clear on all the scientific terms. It s important to know about both genders, since we interact with both genders every day. Let s fill in the answers together. Then we ll go over the puzzle. male sex glands a reproductive cell external male organ a tube through which urine flows a protective pouch reproductive fluid 10/97 Student 5

6 Marian Edelman Let s check our crossword answers: The male sex glands are the The testes are protected by a pouch called the A reproductive cell is called Sperm is carried in fluid called The external male organ is the Sperm is discharged through a tube in the penis called the Now let s do one more crossword. passageway leading outside the body a reproductive cell female sex glands tube where fertilization occurs a monthly discharge of blood and tissue from the vagina where a baby develops Student 6 10/97

7 Rachel Carson Let s go over our crossword answers: The female sex glands are the The ovaries produce reproductive cells called ova or The ova are fertilized in the tube called the A fertilized egg develops into a baby in the A monthly discharge of blood, tissue, and the unfertilized egg from the vagina is called This discharge is carried through a passageway called the Marie Curie It s good to know the technical terms. But there s more to puberty than physical changes. Puberty is a time of crucial behavior choices. The choices we make can have serious consequences. They can affect our future lives and health. Who do we ask if we have questions about puberty? 10/97 Student 7

8 Margaret Mead We talked earlier about having new thoughts about sexuality. What s the difference between sexuality and sexual activity? Everyone has sexuality. Many people are not sexually active. Sexuality is a general term that includes your feelings, instincts, emotions, interests, and concerns. Sexuality is about one person s being male or female. It is a totally separate issue from sexual activity. Sexual activity is physical contact between people that usually involves the genitalia of at least one person. Marian Edelman If people are sexually active before they are y, major problems usually result. Can you think of reasons why people become sexually active too early? Student 8 10/97

9 Rachel Carson listen Television, movies, and advertising are a big influence on all of us. How has the media influenced the ideas you or someone you know has about sexuality, either positively or negatively? This is such an important issue, I d like for us to this in detail. - Marie, how has the media influenced you? - Rachel, and you? - Marian, how about you? - I will tell you about my experience. Positive Negative 10/97 Student 9

10 Marie Curie People are often placed in situations that pressure them into doing things, such as sexual activity, too early. What are some ways we can deal with this type of pressure? Margaret Mead Before you drive a car or play sports, you have to know the rules. We all have our own personal rules for behavior when we feel pressured into doing things. Let s each share some of our own. Here are some suggestions for personal rules: 1. When I go out, stick to groups; dating alone can be confusing and risky. 2. Always let someone know where I am. 3. Never do drugsмdrug-impaired decisions are very risky. 4. Be truthful and respectfulмgossip hurts! 5. Avoid situations that make me feel uncomfortable or unsafe. 6. If I do get into a sticky situation, try to control my emotions. 7. Use my head to protect my feelings, my body, my freedom, my future. 8. I m an original, not someone else s copy. 9. Dance to my own tune, not someone else s. Student 10 10/97

11 listen Problems for Guys: Problems for Girls: I notice that there are more problems for girls than there are for guys. Let s this. Rachel Carson However, there is a serious health problem that concerns males AND females. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for people ages What exactly is HIV? 10/97 Student 11

12 Marie Curie What do we know about the immune system? Margaret Mead What is AIDS? AIDS is the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person develops AIDS when the immune system becomes so damaged by HIV that it can no longer fight off diseases and infections. AIDS allows the body to develop OPPORTUNISTIC DISEASES which are cancers and infections that a normal immune system fights successfully. Marian Edelman How can you get AIDS? Rachel Carson What do we mean by risky behaviors? Student 12 10/97

13 Marie Curie What do we mean by legal and illegal use of needles? Margaret Mead Why do students our ages need to know about HIV and AIDS? Since the leading cause of death in young Americans is HIV/AIDS, students need to be aware that many people are contracting HIV in their teenage years. Many people may be infected and not be aware of it. You cannot tell if someone has HIV by looking at them. They may not know it. You may never have to worry about getting HIV; by not engaging in risky behaviors, you can protect yourself. One way is ABSTINENCE. Marian Edelman What is ABSTINENCE? Rachel Carson What are some ways to say NO to risky behaviors? 10/97 Student 13

14 Marie Curie The problems we just considered can ruin people s lives. The statistics about teen issues are alarming. As I the following statistics for the United States, let s complete the bar graph below and calculate the number of cases per year. u Every day, 1,420 babies are born to mothers younger than 20. j Every day, 3,533 babies are born to unmarried mothers. S Every day, 388 more babies born to teen parents end up in jail as adults. { Every day, 685 children are arrested for drug and alcohol offenses. 6 Every day, 1,800 more teens contract STDs (chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV) I Every day, 3 people under the age of 25 die of AIDS. New Cases Every Day! u babies born to mothers under the age of 20 j babies born to unwed mothers S children who will go to jail as adults { children arrested for drug/alcohol offenses 6 teens get STDs Cases Per Year I dies of AIDS For example: 1,420 (babies born to under-20 mothers) X 365 (days a year) = 518,300 Student 14 10/97

15 Margaret Mead How can you ensure that you can make your NO decision stick? One way is to remain drug-free. Decisions made under the influence of alcohol and other drugs often result in life-long consequences and fatal mistakes. Marian Edelman How would you HIV/AIDS, ABSTINENCE, and drug use with your family? Rachel Carson If one can get HIV/AIDS from drug use, can one get HIV/AIDS from giving or receiving blood transfusions? Marie Curie Can you get HIV from casual contact, like toilet seats, social kissing, swimming pools, and water fountains? Margaret Mead What are the symptoms of HIV? The symptoms for HIV infections (not AIDS) are not recognized in some people. Flu-like symptoms are usually apparent within the first month. However, many people mistake this for a cold or flu. 10/97 Student 15

16 Infected by sex or needle TIME LINE for HIV/AIDS ~ ~ Flu-like symptoms in some No symptoms Onset of AIDS x x DEATH AIDS INCUBATION PERIOD 1-12 years average 8 years Months or years, but recent drug treatment allows for longer life Marian Edelman How long after being infected with HIV will AIDS develop? Rachel Carson What is meant by incubation period? Marie Curie Is AIDS always fatal? Margaret Mead What is the cost of treatment for HIV/AIDS? Once the person is sick with AIDS, the cost of the treatment of HIV/AIDS varies from one person to another. The average cost is approximately $30,000 a year. Marian Edelman If you are not infected with the HIV virus, you never have to be. It is all up to you. Let s go back and check our personal behavior rules and see if now we want to change any. Student 16 10/97

17 Final T houghts Marie Clearly, acting without thinking can ruin your life. We can take measures to protect ourselves, but there s only one sure way of avoiding all these problems. That s abstinence. Margaret I agree with that. There are many good reasons to say no. If you respect yourself and others, then say no to risky behaviors. That s the safe choice. Even a person who has engaged in risky behaviors can change and say no until the right time. Marian Saying no could be one of the most positive things you could ever do. Every choice we make has a consequence. Making the wrong decision might have serious impact on your life. So let s all make the right choices. Rachel That s absolutely right. Don t become one of those statistics we ed earlier. Take control of your own life and take responsibility for your actions. That is a real reason to celebrate. 10/97 Student 17

18 My Personal Rules for Behavior Student 18 10/97

19 Tips for Making Good Decisions 1. Does the decision agree with what I think is right and wrong? 2. Does the decision treat others the way I would want to be treated? 3. Will the decision hurt anyone's body or feelings? 4. What good or bad things can happen as a result of this decision? 5. What else could I do? Would that be better? (Keep this namecard sheet to remind you of how to make good decisions in the future.) Fold first on this bold dotted line. NAMECARD PAGE: Remove this page from booklet, fold on the dotted lines, and place in front of you as your name card. 10/97 Student 19