Middle schoolers get the message out about HIV and AIDS by designing t-shirts with information about how the diseases are spread and how people can protect themselves from infection. Groups first gain background information by reading articles related to the topic and then create their t-shirts.

Concepts

sexually transmitted diseases, hiv/aids, healthy habits, critical thinking, social-emotional learning, self-awareness

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Instructional Ideas

• Invite a healthcare professional to conduct or co-teach the lesson
• Prepare alternative assignments for pupils whose grownups opt-out of the activities
• Divide the class into 11 groups, assign each a different article to read and discuss, and have groups report their findings to the class

Classroom Considerations

• Many schools and districts require parent permission to discuss sex-related topics in the classroom; check your district's guidelines before conducting the lesson
• Requires either several copies of the articles or group access to computers with internet
• A protocol must be in place to permit the safe, frank, and respectful discussion of the topic
• Class members must provide their own t-shirts

Pros

• The resource includes links to the articles, discussion questions, and a comprehension quiz with an answer key

Cons

• None