Group 5

Submitted by lyralin1986 on June 1, 2006 - 11:16pm.
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Project Blog:

This relay is intended to inform teens about the hazards of sex without ensuring the safety of both participants. In the rising tide of sexual activity in teens, it is foolish to believe that teens may be taught safe sex practices simply by utilizing an abstinence policy. This activity aims to engage students while teaching them how to participate in sexual activities without compromising their health. Each team is composed of five members, one member for each section; each participant must then complete the activity and answers session of their section before their team is allowed to continue. More points are awarded to the team that completes each section the quickest. Once the first five sections have been completed, the teams continue on for a lightening round of questions focusing around questions previously covered.

1. If choosing to partake in sexual intercourse, it is important to make smart decisions in doing so. A main part of that is to ensure that contraception is used to not only prevent pregnancy but also sexual transmitted diseases. The effectiveness of contraception largely rests on the correct use of the method. For that reason, we will now test your knowledge of contraceptive methods.
1. How effective are condoms? (97%)
2. Where can you find further information on contraceptive devices? (internet and family planning centers)
3. True or False – The pill, since it is a contraceptive device and 99.9% effective, is also effective against STDs. (no)
We will now test your knowledge of using a condom. The object is to be the first person to open the condom and apply it to your banana without ripping or tearing the condom, or smashing the banana.

2. The idea for the chastity belt was first devised by crusading knights for use on their wives, to ensure that they remain chaste while the knights were out scouring the country side. Can you think of other facts about the chastity belt? This section will test your knowledge on one of the more aggressive forms of abstinence, after which the participants will race over to the bins containing the belts, from there they will construct a “chastity belt” which must wrap around their waist and between their legs. The first group to complete this activity is the winner, however points are awarded to all teams(the faster you complete the activity, the more points you gain) so don’t despair just because you didn’t come in first!
1. How is a chastity belt generally defined?
It is defined as a locking piece of clothing used to prevent sexual intercourse and possibly masturbation; it may also have been used to protect the wearer from rape or temptation.
2. When is the first documented use of a chastity belt and what was it made from?
The first documented use of a chastity belt was in the 1400’s and it was made of a simple woven cord worn around the waist to symbolize chastity.
3. True or False-Only female chastity belts exist
False, chastity belts for men were created, much more recently, in the 1850’s to prevent masturbation.
4. What is the main difference between the male and female chastity belts?
The male chastity belts were created to prevent the wearing from masturbating; something which the Victorians believed was a cause of insanity. Female chastity belts were developed for the security of the women against possible rape, while the male chastity belt was supposed to ensure against “self” abuse.

3. Eighty-five percent of teen pregnancies are unplanned, and seventy-nine percent are unmarried teens. Here we will test the contestants by having them race to put on pregnancy suits in order to simulate the awkwardness of carrying a child. From there they race, wearing the pregnancy suits, to the question podiums where they must buzz in and correctly answer four out of six questions about teen pregnancy for their team to continue the relay.
1. Before the age of 15, how many teens are likely to have sex?
1 in 7 teens have sex before the age of 15, and are less likely to use protection
2. With the use of drugs and alcohol, teens are more likely to participate in sexual activities, without using protection, that they may not have done if sober. What percentage of 15-17 year olds have done something sexual in these conditions?
20% of 15-17 year olds say they’re done something sexual while using alcohol or drugs that they might not have done if they were sober
3. How many teen girls get pregnant before the age of 20?
3 out of every 10 teen girls get pregnant before the age of 20, that's 33% of teen girls. This number is so high because of the lack of proper use of protection by most teens.
4. How many teen pregnancies occur each year?
More than 800,000 teen pregnancies occur each year.
5. What is the chance that you will get pregnant if you don't use protection?
There is an 85% chance of pregnancy within one year if protection is not used properly.
6. What percentage of teen fathers marry the teen mothers of their first children?
About 20% of the fathers marry the teen mothers of their first children. And, on average, the remaining 80 percent pay less than $800 annually for child support -- that is less than $16 a week.

4. Ah, yes changing diapers is a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it! Doing it correctly, efficiently, painlessly, and quickly are things that make diaper changing on an infant less of a production. Surprisingly there is a lot to know when buying diapers, as well as changing them. So this activity will test your knowledge on diapers and how to change them. Then, since speed is not exactly the objective of changing a baby’s diaper, each group will be judged on how well they change the baby, doing all the right things.
Questions:
1. What is the first thing you do when you need to change a baby?
Find a comfortable and safe changing surface such as, a changing table about waist height, or the floor if it is clean.
2. What should you do at all times during the changing?
Keep a hand on the baby and never turn your back from the child. This is to ensure security.
3: How would you use a cloth diaper?
Secure the diaper with safety pins. To prevent a pin from sticking your baby, keep your fingers between the pin and baby's skin- better that you get stuck than baby. And always check the pin to make sure it is securely locked. Add protective plastic or nylon pants or a diaper cover for added security and waterproofing. Collect dirty cloths and wash them together so they may be reused.

5. Babies are very delicate and tiny. Special effort on keeping them safe and injury free is needed because babies are still developing in many important areas, such as their skull, which is still soft and not yet fused when the baby is born. Teams are asked what to do for an infant in each one of these cases. They are to respond with the best possible answer. The teams will then have to balance an egg on a spoon and race around cones and back without dropping the egg. Only the best parents will be gentle enough with their baby so they will not drop it! First team back wins.
1. Scrapes and Cuts: If the wound doesn't appear to need stitches and isn't bleeding heavily, wash it with gentle soap and water, then pat dry. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic (like Neosporin) and cover with a Band-Aid. If you notice any signs of infection (like redness, swelling, or pus), see your pediatrician.
2. Minor Burns: Run cool water over the affected area to soothe pain (don't apply ice-it damages skin tissue, causing more discomfort). To protect the skin, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and cover with a bandage. If blisters appear, don't drain them-open ones are easily infected.
3. Sunburn: When outdoors, infants and toddlers should always be protected from the sun with a hat and 30 SPF sunscreen (Sunscreen isn't recommended for infants under 6 months; instead, keep your baby out of direct sunlight and dress her in protective clothing.) But if your baby gets a sunburn, soothe it with an aloe vera-based cream. You can also administer over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol. If vomiting or fever occurs, it means the burn is severe and you should see your pediatrician.
4. Bug Bites: Most insect bites and stings look like firm, raised bumps. Care for a bee sting by gently scraping out the stinger with a sterile pin or tweezers. Put a cold compress on the area to relieve pain. (Note that many kids are allergic to bee stings-if rapid swelling or wheezing occurs, get medical help immediately.) Mosquito bites are especially common in babies -- the bugs are actually attracted to the hemoglobin in infant blood. Clean and dry the bite, then apply an over-the-counter itch relief cream, like Benadryl ointment. To keep your child from scratching, cut her fingernails and keep them clean.
5. Knots and Bruises: Apply an ice compress to the area to help numb pain and reduce swelling. To relieve soreness, administer an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If your child seems lethargic, disoriented, or vomits after bumping his head, seek medical care to check for a concussion.
6. Motion Sickness/Nausea: It's best not to give babies and toddlers medication for nausea -- doctors say it can make an upset stomach worse. Simply let your child rest and call your pediatrician if symptoms worsen or don't subside within a few hours.

Now teams it's time for the lightening round. For those of you behind it is a chance to earn double the points in a short period of time so have your ears ready. I will ask a serious of question and the first to reply is the winner of that question. The questions will move quickly so be ready.

1. How effective are condoms?
A: 97%
2. True or False-Only female chastity belts exist
A: False, chastity belts for men were created, much more recently, in the 1850’s to prevent masturbation.
3. How many teen pregnancies occur each year?
A: More than 800,000 teen pregnancies occur each year.
4. How would you use a cloth diaper?
A: Secure the diaper with safety pins.
5. Before the age of 15, how many teens are likely to have sex?
A: in 7 teens have sex before the age of 15, and are less likely to use protection
6. What should you do at all times during the changing?
A: Keep a hand on the baby and never turn your back from the child. This is to ensure security.
7. True or False – The pill, since it is a contraceptive device and 99.9% effective, is also effective against STDs.
A: no
8. How is a chastity belt generally defined?
A: It is defined as a locking piece of clothing used to prevent sexual intercourse and possibly masturbation; it may also have been used to protect the wearer from rape or temptation.
9. How many teen girls get pregnant before the age of 20?
A: 3 out of every 10 teen girls get pregnant before the age of 20, that's 33% of teen girls.
10. What is the first thing you do when you need to change a baby?
A: Find a comfortable and safe changing surface

Sex makes babies...

#870 On June 4, 2006 8:36pm cybergrrl said,
cybergrrl's picture

Wow, great work! I especially like your focus on the connection between sex and babies- it seems obvious but oftentimes kids just "forget" that that can happen, especially if it's your first time/on your period/etc. And your idea of a 'lightening round' of questions seems great- it really encourages the students to have this material on the tip of their tongues! This is a really fun curriculum (and I think that the banana idea would be such a laugh!) Nice job.

Mr. McClarnon

#850 On June 2, 2006 4:46pm miniCooper said,
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Mr. William F. McClarnon, Principal (wmcclarnon@dlsd.k12.pa.us)
Mr. Jeffrey Soles, Assistant Principal (jsoles@dlsd.k12.pa.us)
163 East Union Road
P.O. Box 40
Russellton, PA 15076-0040
(724) 265-5320 or (724) 226-0477

Mr. McClarnon,

I graduated from Deer Lakes in 2003 and went on to The Pennsylvania State University at the University Park campus. I am currently enrolled in an introduction course to women’s studies. The course has opened my mind to the struggles that feminists face everyday. One related issue is ensuring that the kids of today are receiving information about safe sex. I remember that my sexual education course in high school was not that informative. I believe that students should be more informed so that they know what choices are best for them to make when they feel comfortable. Attached is a competition that myself and my other teammates created to educated students on safe sex and related issues. I hope that you find this information useful and will consider using it in the curriculum.

Sincerely,

MiniCooper

letter

#842 On June 2, 2006 2:23pm nikki2318 said,
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Principle Karen Probst
Central Mountain High School
64 Keystone Central Dr
Mill Hall, PA 17751

Dear Mrs. Probst,

I am writing today to discuss with you an important issue that has come to my knowledge. I am worried that students today who are only being subject to abstinent-only education are being denied the opportunity to learn more. Did you know that 1 in 7 teens is like to be sexually active before the age of 15? Students don’t even have access to information about sex before this age. There are more than 800,000 teen pregnancies each year. Of these only 20% end up marring the father of their child and the remaining 80% only receive about $800 annually for child support. I propose that instead of teaching children about abstinence-only that an abstinence-plus curriculum be put into place. With this curriculum students will learn about abstinence but that will be integrated along with condom use, birth control options, STD information. It won’t be so much of a warning to students as much as an education which the students are there to get anyhow. I urge you to look into abstinence-plus education. I feel that it will make a real difference in the lives of some of the babies out there and hopefully those to come.

Sincerely,

Nikki Duck

letter to principal

#841 On June 2, 2006 2:09pm lyralin1986 said,
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Dr. Robert Burt
Abington High School
900 Highland Avenue
Abington, PA 19001

Dear Dr. Burt:

My name is Laura, and I graduated from Abington High School in 2004. While Abington provides an excellent education for its students, the sexual education program is somewhat behind the times. When one in seven teens is likely to have sex even before the age of fifteen, it is niave to think that teaching a program of abstinence is one that will most help teens. Rather, Abington needs to embrace the changing times and while still encouraging abstinence in their students, they must all teach them safe sex practices to ensure their continuing health and safety. Attached you will find a sample program which may be integrated into the school's already existing sex program. I believe that it will help to keep kids interested in what they are learning, as well as to take away valuable knowledge from the exercise. Thank you for your time,
Laura

letter

#828 On June 2, 2006 12:36pm lml1126 said,
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WAHS
1610 Evans Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610

Principal Hartman-

I am a student currently enrolled in a Women’s Studies course through Penn State University. While discussing important issues amongst teens, it was brought to my attention the lack of knowledge that many teens have when it comes to sexual education. I believe that times are changing and in order for our youth to be properly informed about sex, a new and innovative sexual education curriculum should be implemented in school.

We are long past the days when simply learning the anatomies of the male and female were sufficient information for schools to deliver to adolescents about sex. Today we are faced with violence and hate crimes against people because of their sexuality. By bringing this into schools we can properly educate students about all areas of sex, therefore helping them in future with important decisions concerning more important things than just whether or not to abstain.

So, with a realistic approach to learning and discussion the sexual education curriculum will be an important chunk of useful knowledge that your students will have as they leave your school someday and enter a not so sheltered world. Creating more “life knowledgeable” and informed youth will do wonders for our future.

Thank you for your time,
Lauren L.