Peer Pressure

Created by: Ms. Lentsch

Introduction   Tasks   Roles   Agreement   Feedback  Conclusion

Introduction

Peer pressure is a sensitive topic that has been discussed for years.  The truth is, almost everybody has been affected by peer pressure at some point in their life. Today, each of you will be taking a closer look at peer pressure through the roles of a pressured student, a teacher and a parent.

The BIG Question

While researching, keep in mind that you will discuss the BIG question at the end of this Webquest.


Here is the BIG question. Should peer pressure be minimized or better yet, eliminated?

 

Tasks

In this Webquest, you will work in groups to answer questions. These questions are designed to assist you in answering BIG question. In order to do this, each student needs to review the background knowledge posted below. After that, groups need to assign members to each role. Each member will be responsible for reviewing the websites and answering the poised questions for their specific role. 

Phase 1: Background Information
    Before you break into groups, everybody needs to review the following websites. It is crucial that you understand what you are reading. If you need clarification, feel free to ask a peer. Remember you are a a group.

Kids Health: Dealing With Peer Pressure

Teens Health: Peer Pressure

Phase 2: Roles
    These roles were selected because they are the people who deal with peer pressure. Each of you needs to review the directions below before looking at the websites.

Instructions
1. As a group, assign each member a specific role.
2. Take a look at the small questions before reading the websites.
3. Read though the websites paying close attention to the main ideas.
4. Answer the small questions. (Keep in mind the BIG Question)

Pressured Student

Think Quest: Peer Pressure
Peer Pressure Quiz
About: Beating Peer Pressure

Small Questions:
1. Are you a victim of peer pressure? (take the quiz)
2. What are some things you can do or say to avoid negative peer pressure?
3. What are some things you can do or say to reinforce positive peer pressure? 

Teacher

Kids Growth: How to Avoid Peer Pressure
Outreach: Managing Peer Pressure

Small Questions:
1. Will there be peer pressure in the classroom?
2. How can you deal with peer pressure in your classroom?

Parent

Effective Parenting: Dealing With Peer Pressure
School Family: Peer Pressure
About: Parenting Quiz

Small Questions:
1. Will your child be affected by peer pressure?
2. How can you help your child deal with peer pressure?

Phrase 3: Agreement

After each group member is done researching their specific role, the group needs to come back together. In your group, all members will discuss their small questions and its relevance to the BIG question. If you need assistance, use information from you websites as evidence or support. Together as a group, you need to come up with and agree on and answer for the BIG Question.

Phase 4: Real World Feedback

Each group has had time to research the topic and become informed about their specific roles. There has been an time for large group discussion thus far. Now it is time for each group to write a letter that contains the groups answers and opinions related to the information they found.
1. Properly address the letter to the contact person posted below.
2. Explain why you are completing this project and introduce the BIG question.
3. Give facts and examples from resources to support each specific role. 
4. Remember to use citations
5. Conclude with the BIG question and the groups final decision.
6. E-mail the letter to the contact person and Ms. Lentsch.

Your contact person is Catherine Downs.

Conclusion:

This Webquest was designed to assist you in thinking outside the box. Peer pressure is a huge topic and affects almost everybody. I challenge you to find ways to minimize negative peer pressure and maximum positive peer pressure.

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