1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with these essential questions: What is a reasonable risk? When do the risks of an activity outweigh its benefits? Who gets to decide when something is too risky?
2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:
- What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether kids and teens should be allowed to participate in extreme sports. The issue is timely because youth participation in extreme sports is at an all-time high.)
- Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Jamie Burr is a professor of human health and nutritional sciences. Vani J. Sabesan is a doctor who also teaches at a university medical school.)