9th Grade
Project
6 weeks
Railroad Youth Workshops: Risk Be Gone!
12.1.HR.1
12.1.HR.2
12.1.HR.5
1-pager
Phenomenon
In your community, teens frequently gather in specific places like parks or malls, where the dynamics of their interactions can lead to both supportive friendships and risky behaviors.
The Challenge
Risky behaviors among teens, such as substance abuse and unhealthy relationship dynamics, can lead to long-term negative consequences including emotional distress and physical harm. These issues are exacerbated by a lack of access to supportive resources and education on healthy relationship practices. How can we organize a series of workshops that empower teens to recognize and address various forms of abuse in relationships, ensuring they know where to seek help?
Standards
- 12.1.HR.1 - Examine, compare, and contrast aspects of various personal relationships, including characteristics of healthy and unhealthy family, peer, romantic (dating), and/or sexual relationships. [HPE; SE]
- 12.1.HR.2 - Analyze the benefits and risks of various ways people express feelings within relationships (e.g., words, acts of kindness, hugging, holding hands, kissing, sexual behaviors, jealousy, manipulation) and describe the characteristics of effective expression of feelings and emotions within a health-promoting relationship. [HE; SE]
- 12.1.HR.5 - Discuss different forms of abuse in relationships including emotional abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, dating violence, gender-based violence, sex trafficking and exploitation, and available supports and resources for getting help if in an abusive or exploitative relationship. [HPE; SE]
What You Will Learn And Do
Investigate data on teen relationships and behaviors to identify patterns and areas of risk. Explore existing workshop models and analyze their effectiveness in promoting healthy relationships. Design and implement a series of workshops, testing strategies that address identified risks and refining them based on feedback from community partners. Present the workshops' impact through a community showcase, sharing insights and actionable solutions with peers and local organizations.
The Learning Journey
| Phase | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Discover |
I can identify the challenge of risky behaviors among teens and understand its root causes through a dynamic launch activity that sparks curiosity and engages me in the issue.
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| Examine |
I can research the causes and effects of risky behaviors in teen relationships by analyzing data, conducting interviews, and collaborating with community partners to deepen my understanding.
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| Engineer |
I can develop a series of workshops that address risky behaviors and promote healthy relationships by designing interactive sessions and resources that engage my peers and community.
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| Do |
I can implement the workshops, gather feedback, and assess their effectiveness by facilitating sessions with peers and community members to ensure they address the needs and concerns of participants.
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| Share |
I can share the outcomes of our workshops and my personal growth journey with peers, school staff, and community members through engaging presentations that demonstrate the impact of our initiatives and my learning experiences.
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Rubric
Learning Journey
No learning journey yet!
Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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| Activities |
Discover Stage: Community Observation - Visit a local park or mall to observe teen interactions, noting behaviors and potential risks in relationship dynamics (20 min)
Discover Stage: Group Discussion - Share observations from the site visit and discuss initial thoughts on teen relationship dynamics and potential risky behaviors (25 min)
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Discover Stage: Data Analysis - Examine local community data on teen behaviors and relationships to identify patterns and areas of concern (25 min)
Discover Stage: Empathy Circle - Reflect on personal connections to the observed behaviors and discuss the impacts on peers within a safe, supportive circle (20 min)
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Examine Stage: Question Generation - Develop a list of questions to explore causes and effects of risky behaviors in teen relationships (15 min)
Examine Stage: Background Research - Read articles and watch videos on healthy vs. unhealthy relationships to build foundational knowledge (30 min)
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Examine Stage: Expert Interview - Conduct a virtual interview with a representative from the Railroad Street Youth Project to gain insights on teen relationships (25 min)
Examine Stage: Group Discussion - Engage in a seminar-style discussion to share insights and diverse perspectives on the information gathered (20 min)
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Examine Stage: Criteria Development - Define criteria for successful solutions to risky behaviors in teen relationships, focusing on effectiveness and safety (20 min)
Examine Stage: Brainstorming Session - Collaborate in teams to brainstorm potential solutions, evaluate ideas against criteria, and select the most promising option (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Observation Report from Community Dynamics Exploration
2. Data Analysis Summary 3. Initial Workshop Series Concept Document |
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| Preparation |
1. Secure permission slips for field trips and guest speakers
2. Arrange transportation for field trip 3. Collect data sets on teen relationships and behaviors 4. Coordinate with Railroad Street Youth Project for guest speakers 5. Prepare role-playing scenarios and real-world examples for class discussion 6. Set up digital tools for data analysis |
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| Week 2 |
Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Discover Stage: Site Observation - Visit a local community space where teens frequently gather to observe interactions and identify potential risky behaviors, noting observations in a journal (45 min)
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Discover Stage: Data Analysis - Explore and analyze statistics on teen behaviors and relationships using online databases to identify trends and areas of concern (45 min)
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Discover Stage: Community Partner Interview - Conduct an interview with a representative from Railroad Street Youth Project to gain insights into existing programs addressing teen risky behaviors (45 min)
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Examine Stage: Question Generation - Collaboratively generate questions about the root causes of risky behaviors in teen relationships, focusing on emotional and social factors (20 min)
Examine Stage: Background Reading - Read selected articles on characteristics of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships to build foundational knowledge (25 min)
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Examine Stage: Video Research - Watch a series of short videos highlighting real-life stories and expert opinions on teen relationship challenges and solutions (30 min)
Examine Stage: Seminar Discussion - Engage in a seminar-style discussion to share findings from the videos and readings, exploring diverse perspectives (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Group analysis report detailing identified patterns and areas of risk in teen relationships.
2. Compiled interview notes highlighting key insights from community partners. 3. A draft outline of workshop topics and focus areas based on the synthesis of research and interviews. |
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| Preparation |
1. Secure access to relevant data sets and statistics on teen relationships from educational and government sources.
2. Coordinate with Railroad Street Youth Project to schedule interviews and confirm their participation. 3. Prepare interview frameworks and question lists for students to guide their discussions with community partners. 4. Arrange for collaboration spaces and materials for students to conduct analysis and brainstorming sessions. |
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| Week 3 |
Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Engineer Stage: Hypothesis Development - Work in teams to develop a hypothesis predicting the impact of the proposed peer mentorship program and workshops on teen relationships (15 min)
Engineer Stage: Solution Planning - Outline a detailed plan for designing the workshops, including objectives, activities, and assessment methods to measure effectiveness (30 min)
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Engineer Stage: T.A.G. Feedback Session - Present workshop plans to peer teams and receive Tell, Ask, Give feedback to strengthen ideas and approach (20 min)
Engineer Stage: Plan Improvement - Revise and refine workshop plans based on feedback received, ensuring alignment with community needs and standards (25 min)
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Engineer Stage: Build and Test Phase - Begin constructing materials and resources for the workshops, including visual aids and interactive activities (25 min)
Engineer Stage: Data Collection Plan - Develop a strategy for collecting data during the workshops to evaluate their impact and effectiveness (20 min)
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Engineer Stage: Resource Development - Finalize the creation of workshop materials and resources, ensuring they are engaging and informative for participants (25 min)
Engineer Stage: Mock Workshop - Conduct a practice session of the workshop with peer teams, gathering feedback for further improvements (20 min)
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Engineer Stage: Feedback Integration - Use feedback from the mock workshop to make final adjustments to the workshop content and delivery method (20 min)
Engineer Stage: Final Preparation - Prepare logistics for the upcoming workshops, including scheduling, equipment needs, and participant outreach (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed data analysis report highlighting key findings on teen relationship risks.
2. Draft outline of workshop sessions, including potential activities and resources. 3. List of best practices from existing workshops to be integrated into the design. |
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| Preparation |
1. Schedule interviews and surveys with peers and community members to gather data.
2. Coordinate a meeting with Railroad Street Youth Project for insights and collaboration on workshop design. 3. Research existing workshops on healthy relationships and compile best practice examples. 4. Prepare materials for brainstorming sessions, such as large paper, markers, and digital tools for collaboration. |
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| Week 4 |
Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Engineer Stage: Hypothesis Development - Develop a hypothesis predicting the outcomes of the proposed peer mentorship and workshop programs for healthy relationships (20 min)
Engineer Stage: Program Planning - Create a detailed plan for the workshop series, outlining session topics, activities, and resources needed (25 min)
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Engineer Stage: Peer Feedback Session - Share the workshop plan with peers and receive T.A.G. Feedback (Tell something you liked, Ask a question, Give a suggestion) to refine the plan (25 min)
Engineer Stage: Plan Refinement - Use feedback to make improvements to the workshop plan, ensuring alignment with learning targets and community needs (20 min)
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Engineer Stage: Workshop Design - Begin designing interactive session materials and resources, such as presentation slides, activity guides, and handouts (45 min)
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Engineer Stage: Resource Development - Continue developing workshop materials, focusing on creating engaging and informative content for participants (25 min)
Engineer Stage: Data Collection Planning - Develop a plan for gathering data during the workshops to assess their impact, including surveys and observation checklists (20 min)
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Engineer Stage: Build and Test Session - Conduct a test run of one of the workshop sessions with a small group, gathering feedback on content and delivery (30 min)
Engineer Stage: Feedback Review - Analyze feedback from the test session and make necessary adjustments to the workshop design and materials (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed workshop outline and agenda, including objectives, activities, and materials needed.
2. A draft of workshop presentation slides or materials that incorporate data analysis and community partner insights. 3. A peer-reviewed rehearsal of the workshop, with feedback notes for improvement. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather and prepare case study materials and data sets for analysis to be used in the workshop.
2. Coordinate with the Railroad Street Youth Project for a guest speaker or mentor session to provide expert insight and feedback. 3. Ensure access to necessary technology and presentation tools for workshop practice sessions. 4. Prepare survey results and analysis from previous weeks to guide workshop content development. |
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| Week 5 |
Day 21
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Day 22
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Day 23
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Day 24
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Day 25
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| Activities |
Do Stage: Workshop Implementation - Facilitate the first workshop session focusing on recognizing risky behaviors and promoting healthy relationships among teens (45 min)
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Do Stage: Workshop Implementation - Conduct a second workshop session that explores effective communication and emotional expression in relationships (45 min)
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Do Stage: Data Collection and Reflection - Gather and analyze feedback and data from workshop participants to assess the impact and effectiveness of the sessions (25 min)
Do Stage: Team Reflection - Discuss insights gained from the data and participant interactions, evaluating the workshops' success in addressing risky behaviors (20 min)
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Do Stage: Scale Planning - Brainstorm strategies for expanding the workshop series to reach a larger audience and discuss potential partnerships for scaling efforts (25 min)
Do Stage: Action Planning - Develop a detailed plan outlining steps to enhance and scale the workshop series based on feedback and reflections (20 min)
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Share Stage: Presentation Preparation - Collaborate in teams to prepare a presentation showcasing the workshop outcomes and personal growth throughout the project (25 min)
Share Stage: TAG Feedback - Present the draft presentation to peers for feedback and make revisions based on suggestions and questions received (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed and rehearsed workshop plans ready for presentation, including all supporting materials and resources.
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare feedback forms for peer review during rehearsals.
2. Coordinate with Railroad Street Youth Project for their participation and feedback session. 3. Ensure all presentation equipment (projectors, laptops) is available and functioning. 4. Gather all necessary materials, such as handouts, pamphlets, or digital resources, for the workshops. 5. Organize a schedule for workshop presentations, including time slots for each group and designated feedback sessions. |
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| Week 6 |
Day 26
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Day 27
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Day 28
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Day 29
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Day 30
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| Activities |
Share Stage: Standards Quiz - Complete an individual standards-aligned quiz to assess understanding of healthy relationships and risky behaviors (15 min)
Share Stage: Content Selection - Work in teams to identify key content and evidence to include in the final presentation, focusing on workshop outcomes and personal growth (30 min)
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Share Stage: Presentation Development - Collaboratively design the final presentation using a chosen tool, integrating insights and data from the workshop series (25 min)
Share Stage: Rehearsal - Practice the presentation as a team, refining delivery and timing for clarity and engagement (20 min)
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Share Stage: TAG Feedback Session - Present the draft presentation to another team and receive T.A.G. Feedback (Tell something you liked, Ask a question, Give a suggestion) for improvement (25 min)
Share Stage: Final Revisions - Use feedback to make final adjustments to the presentation, ensuring it effectively communicates the project impact (20 min)
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Share Stage: Presentation Day - Deliver the final presentation to peers, school staff, and community members, showcasing workshop outcomes and addressing audience questions (45 min)
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Share Stage: Individual Reflection - Engage in a one-on-one conversation with a panelist to discuss personal and professional growth during the project (20 min)
Share Stage: Closing Circle - Participate in a class-wide celebration and reflection on the journey as changemakers, sharing key takeaways and insights (15 min)
Share Stage: Experience Survey - Complete a survey capturing feedback and learnings from the entire project experience (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed workshop plans with interactive elements
2. Facilitation of workshops with community members 3. Feedback analysis report summarizing participant responses and effectiveness of workshops 4. Presentation slides demonstrating workshop impact and personal growth |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials needed for interactive activities, such as role-play props and informational handouts
2. Coordinate with Railroad Street Youth Project for mentorship support during workshops 3. Prepare feedback surveys for workshop participants 4. Organize presentation space and equipment for final sharing session |
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