Are the anti-smoking ads put out by the federal government effective? This question is posed to your critical thinkers. They'll read excerpts from a New York Times article and then compose thoughtful blog responses to four related...

Adolescents compare and assess the efficacy of tobacco product health warning labels from around the world. In groups, they invent warnings and create labels that would be effective for teens and children. Discussion covers advertising...

Bayer Pharmaceuticals sold heroin as a cough medicine in the 1900s ... who knew? Scholars discover this, and other interesting facts, when they use the resource to prepare for a class discussion or debate. They browse videos, readers'...

Students analyze alcohol and tobacco ads and create parodies of them. The eight lessons in this unit include discussions about why teens smoke or drink, the psychology behind the advertising, and writing persuasive letters to agencies,...

Two compelling texts about tobacco companies' influence over editorial content in print media introduce readers to the concept of advertising censorship. After study and discussion, class members compose a mock "final column" by a...

In this advertisements worksheet, students read a list of 25 specific forms of advertising. Students then answer 2 essay questions. This worksheet directs students to read an article not provided here.

How bad is the opioid crisis in America? Has it gotten worse in the last few decades? Why? High schoolers delve into these questions with a thorough and thoughtful instructional activity from The New York Times on heroin...

Sixth graders examine the eight persuasive techniques, identifying them in all avenues of media including magazine, TV, Internet, and billboards, and making them aware of how advertising already influences them. They write an essay using...

Students investigate what is being sold to them. For this media awareness lesson, students visit selected websites to take a closer look at advertising marketed at them. Students discuss the implications of marketing geared toward children.

Middle schoolers analyze advertisements meant to persuade a reader to purchase a certain product or service to find out what stands out about the ad or what it is about the ad that persuade readers. They complete an analysis chart, and...

Students explore the hidden messages in advertisements. In this business lesson, students discuss the role that advertisements play in our lives. Students locate advertisements that use various advertising techniques. Students create an...

Young scholars analyze and research the claims of Listerine advertisements and commercials. They observe commercials and ads, then participate in numerous activities to determine the credibility of the claims made by Listerine. ...

Students research community gardens. In this community garden lesson, students discover the history of community gardens and assess the benefits of locally grown food. Students create propaganda posters aimed at inviting...

Students watch two commericals from previous presidential elections on the topic of healthcare. After reading an article, they identify the position of the various candidates for the 2008 election. In groups, they brainstorm their own...

In this brain drain worksheet, students create a product name for a new product on the market, identify why the product is special and decide the target audience. Students then design a magazine, radio, or TV. advert for their product....

Students explore teen driving habits. In this health journalism lesson, students read the USA Today article titled "Teens Buckle Each Other Up", respond to discussion questions regarding the article, and complete an activity based on the...

Young scholars examine the concept of body image. In this current events lesson, students research selected websites for information about fashion models, plastic surgery, and advertising. Young scholars share and discuss their findings.

Fifth graders recognize that tobacco companies target young people with their advertisements. In this tobacco instructional activity, 5th graders understand why tobacco companies target youth. Students define the word adbuster and...

Pick your poison: tobacco, alcohol, opiates, cocaine, or marijuana. An online exhibition launches a research project that asks groups to select one of the five drugs and gather information on how the use of the drug and the regulations...

Students explore and describe various persuasive tools used in advertisements, analyze advertisements provided by teacher, and identify target audiences. Students then work in groups to find advertisements aimed at assigned target...

Students explore the ways in which media messages work and the ways in which consumers are targeted.

A short, engaging video provides a critique of the hyper-consumerist mentality that many think have taken over the Western world. After watching the video, pupils reflect on their own habits and use evidence...

Upper graders discuss the importance of responsible dating. In addition to a discussion period, the lesson includes Powerpoint presentations, poster designs, and related role-playing activities. In one scenario, students act as parents...

Students discover techniques that are used to spread propaganda. They define what propaganda is and how it can be used in both a positive and negative manner. They produce an ad campaign for product.