Social Issues Activities

Analyze current social challenges affecting the Eastern Caribbean and develop informed perspectives through media literacy and critical thinking.

Critical Analysis & Media Literacy

Activity 10: Social Issues Media Gallery Walk

60 minutes

Explore social issues through various media sources and discussions

Learning Objectives

• Identify social issues from various media sources
• Connect global issues to local Eastern Caribbean context
• Develop media literacy and observation skills
• Prioritize issues based on local impact and urgency

Materials Needed

Various media sources (pictures, newspaper clippings, video clips), gallery walk observation sheets

Activity Structure

Gallery Setup (10 min): Create stations with different social issue media

Small Group Rotations (35 min): Groups rotate through stations observing and discussing

Synthesis Discussion (15 min): Share observations and create class priority list

Social Issues Explored

Climate Change

Poverty

Migration

Inequality

Health Issues

Education Access

Observation Questions

• What social issue is depicted in this media?
• How does this issue affect people's daily lives?
• Do you see this issue in our community? How?
• What emotions does this media evoke?
• What questions do you have about this issue?

Assessment Focus

Observation quality, discussion participation, understanding of social issue complexity

Activity 11: News Report Simulation Project

100 minutes (multiple sessions)

Create professional news reports about current social issues

Learning Objectives

• Research current social issues affecting Eastern Caribbean
• Present information in professional news format
• Include multiple perspectives on complex issues
• Develop media production and presentation skills

Session Structure

Session 1 (40 min): Issue selection, research, and planning

Session 2 (35 min): Script writing and rehearsal

Session 3 (25 min): Recording/performance and feedback

News Report Format

• Anchor introduction and main story
• Field reporter on-location segments
• Expert interviews and quotes
• Multiple perspectives presented
• Professional conclusion and sign-off

News Report Requirements

3-5 minute duration

Professional format

Accurate information

Multiple perspectives

Clear speaking

Good organization

Materials Needed

Video equipment, news report templates, research materials, costumes/props

Assessment Focus

Research accuracy, script quality, presentation skills, understanding of issue complexity

Activity 12: Social Issues Debate Tournament

90 minutes (extended session)

Engage in structured debates about complex social issues

Learning Objectives

• Develop argumentation and critical thinking skills
• Research and present evidence-based arguments
• Listen respectfully to opposing viewpoints
• Understand complexity of social issues

Tournament Structure

Setup (15 min): Divide into teams and assign topics

Preparation (30 min): Research and prepare arguments

Debate Rounds (40 min): Multiple rounds with different matchups

Reflection (5 min): Discuss learning and perspectives

Debate Format

• Opening statements (2 minutes each team)
• Rebuttals (2 minutes each team)
• Closing arguments (1 minute each team)
• Audience judges using provided rubrics

Materials Needed

Debate topic cards, research materials, timer, judging rubrics

Debate Topics

"Climate change is the most urgent social issue facing the Caribbean"

"Economic inequality requires government intervention vs. market solutions"

"Migration benefits both sending and receiving countries"

"Technology increases or decreases social isolation"

Judging Criteria

• Quality and clarity of arguments
• Use of evidence and examples
• Effectiveness of rebuttals
• Respectful engagement with opposing views
• Organization and presentation skills

Assessment Focus

Use debate rubric evaluating argument quality, evidence use, rebuttal effectiveness, and respectful engagement with opposing views

Reflection Questions

• What did you learn about different perspectives?
• What common themes emerged across social issues?
• How important is considering multiple viewpoints?
• What makes some arguments more convincing than others?

Social Issues Learning Outcomes

Issue Identification

Students identify and analyze social issues affecting their community and region

Media Literacy

Students develop skills to analyze and create media content about social issues

Critical Thinking

Students analyze multiple perspectives and develop informed opinions on complex issues