Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
01/04/2016
The Healthiest State In The US Just Toughened Its Smoking Laws
Hawaii is already considered the healthiest state in the U.S., and it's striving to become even healthier. It's now illegal to smoke or use a vaporizer in Hawaii if you're under 21 years old. In passing the law last summer, many state lawmakers said the decision was motivated by the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among teenagers. Hawaiians already have fewer mental health days, low rates of preventable hospitalizations and a lower prevalence of obesity.
■Class discussion: What are the smoking laws in your state? Do you think raising the smoking age will reduce the number of people addicted to nicotine? How addictive is nicotine compared with other drugs? How does your state rate on health? What factors impact the health of people in your state? What percentage of the people in your state who smoke, abuse alcohol or drugs, or are obese? Are there many who can't afford health care?