The+Roots+of+a+Problem

=Objectives: Students will=
 * identify a problem in society to research
 * describe the causes and effects of their chosen problem using a problem tree graphic organizer
 * evaluate the effectiveness of creating a law or policy to address a problem

=Do Now:= How are events in the news portrayed? What kind of information does the media give you?

=Lesson:= 1) Creating a Problem Tree

Below is a problem tree on "Obesity in the United States." The **//trunk//** represents the problem being analyzed, the **//leaves//** represent the consequences or effects of the problem, and the **//roots//** represent the causes of the problem.

Draw your own problem tree, like the one below, in your notebook on a problem in society of your own choosing. Think about the following:
 * What laws/policies have been implemented within a state or the nation because of this problem?
 * What prompted a law/policy to be passed?
 * Give an example of the law/policy in action.



**Homework**

 * Evaluate:** Is it effective to create a law or policy to address a problem? Does it solve the issue - why or why not?