Lesson plan: Acne can leave its mark

November 29, 2000
Web posted at: 4:41 PM EST (2141 GMT)

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Objectives

Students will:

• Discuss myths about acne treatment and causes.
• Research causes and treatments of acne.
• Compare and contrast various acne treatment options.

Standards

Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
Health Benchmarks -- Level 4

Students know how to determine whether various resources from home, school and the community present valid health information, products and services

Materials

CNNfyi.com article, "Zapping the myths of zits"
Magazines, textbooks and Internet sites for research

Suggested time

One class period

Procedures

1. Ask students about the common myths or information they have heard about the causes and treatment of acne. Write their responses on the board. Discuss the responses with the class and attempt to determine the myths from the facts about acne.

2. Have students read the CNNfyi.com article, "Zapping the myths of zits," then ask the following questions:

• What happens when blemishes are squeezed? How do you prevent scarring caused by blemishes?
• What do nonprescription products contain? What do those chemicals do to your skin? According to the article, how do doctors feel about these products? How do dermatologists treat acne?
• How important is vitamin A in acne treatment? Why? What are the risks of vitamin A for acne sufferers? Explain how acne can affect a person's self-esteem.

3. Direct students to online and media resources to find homeopathic alternatives to any of the treatments listed in the article. Instruct them to compare the treatment mentioned in the article to one found in their research. They may compare the costs, risks and recovery periods of those treatments.

Accommodation

Logical-mathematical: Have students create a Venn diagram to depict the similarities and differences of the various acne treatment options mentioned and researched during the lesson.

Assessment

Have students present their findings to the class. After or during presentations, have the class discuss the feasibility of the treatment options.

Extension

Direct students to online or media resources to find if there are any conflicting views regarding the causes of acne (such as diet or cleanliness). They may present these views to the class.

Questions and answers about acne
Acne-Site
What acne is and what you can do about it
Acne agony
Acne treatments

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