Stress Mess!

Focus: research, summarizing, listening, discussion with peers

(Writing 8.6, 8.7, 8.8; Speaking and Listening 8.5; Language 8.1, 8.2)

"Stress Mess!" Brochure/Video Directions:

• Research and take notes about the causes of stress and anxiety, the physical and mental effects of stress and anxiety, and ways to positively deal with stress and anxiety. Be accurate. Cite your sources. Take care not to plagiarize!
• Sort your information into categories, such as the following:
  • terms and definitions
  • causes of stress and anxiety
  • negative effects of stress
  • positive effects of stress
  • ways to positively deal with stress
• Using your research notes, draft a tri-fold brochure or write a script for a 60 to 90-second video. Both projects should be for a middle school audience, and should explain stress and anxiety, and give the reader/viewer helpful information.

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"Stress Mess!" Socratic Circle Directions:

• Learn the expectations of a Socratic Circle discussion.
• Read this brief article and the opposing views that follow it. Notice that the students cite research to support their claims!

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Information Sources:

• NewsELA articles (search "stress") including these articles:
  • "Later Start Times, Less Homework to Help Students Cope with Stress"
  • "Therapy Dogs Give Students a Break from the Stress of Exams"
  • "Lettuce Club Helps Students Have Fun, Romaine Calm During Testing"
  • "Schools Begin 'Georgia Breathes' Initiative to Exhale Stress"
• Medical News Today articles: (Please do not click on any links from these articles.)
  • "Why Stress Happens and How to Manage It"
  • "How to Tell if Stress is Affecting Your Sleep"
  • "Anxiety in the West: Is it on the Rise?" *one section refers to impact of social media
  • "Can Forest Bathing Reduce Stress Levels?"
  • "Stress: A Feeling of Control May Limit its Negative Effects"
  • "Stress: Its Surprising Implications for Health"

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Additional Resource Links:

• Reliable Sources explanation video (from Schmoop)
• Introduction to Critical Thinking video