Politics and Public Policy in the United States

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 20.03.09

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Rationale
  3. Background
  4. Strategies
  5. Activities
  6. Appendix on Implementing District Standards
  7. Annotated Bibliography
  8. Notes

What Does a Camel and Vaping Have to Do with Public Policy?

Valerie J. Schwarz

Published September 2020

Tools for this Unit:

Appendix on Implementing District Standards

English Standards of Learning

SOL 4.1 addresses oral communication skills in a variety of settings. The finer points of this standard speak to contributing to small group discussions across content areas, seeking opinions of others, supporting opinions with evidence, communicating new ideas, collaborating with diverse groups, and demonstrating the ability to work independently. There are ample opportunities to develop oral language skills through small group collaborations and the play.

SOL 4.3 states that the student will learn how media messages are constructed and for what purposes: a) differentiate between auditory, visual, and written media messages. b) Identify the characteristics of various media messages. As the students learn the history of the tobacco industry, they will examine media messages through the years. The students will then apply their knowledge as they examine media messages for e-cigarettes.

SOL 4.7 focuses on writing and says that the student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes. The various bullets then address audience, focus, organization, style, and the writing process. The informative/explanatory mode of writing is one that is emphasized in grade 4. This curriculum unit provides several opportunities for students to develop explanatory/informative pieces.

Virginia Studies Standards of Learning

VS10 focuses on the three branches of the Virginia government, geography, and economics. The students are expected to understand how the three branches work and the main function of each branch. They also need to learn the major industries, which include the tobacco industry and how Virginia’s industries produce goods and services used throughout the United States and the world.

Common Core Standards

Virginia does not use the Common Core standards, but Virginia’s standards are similar. This unit also addresses Common Core standards. Below are just a few that are covered in this curriculum unit.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 is designed to develop students’ comprehension and collaboration skills through collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts. This unit has ample opportunities for students to collaborate and engage in discourse.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W4.2 states that students will write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and express ideas clearly. Students will write as they develop parts of the play and complete writing pieces.

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