Learning Task 4

Analyzing Vermont's Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

Background

This assignment will give students an opportunity to study a statewide survey on youth risk behaviors. Recent survey results for Vermont are included in this lesson. Additional survey results are available online. This assignment will prepare students for their final project.

Included in this lesson:

• Student Fact Sheet
• Suggestions for Classroom Presentation
• Power Point Presentation of Vermont 2005 YRBS results
• 2005 Vermont YRBS report
• Online resources for additional learning

Suggestions for Classroom Presentation by Teacher

Using the power point presentation provided, prepare a quick introductory lesson about the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. This power point presentation offers comparison statistics that demonstrate the health risks of Vermont Youth. Hand out copies of this presentation to each student so they can follow along and take notes. The 2007 Vermont YRBS results are also included. Also provide students with a copy of these results. In their work groups, students will use this information for their research paper.

Research Task

In each group have students discuss what can be learned from the results of the YRBS. Groups may need teacher assistance in reading graphs. Have them write a 2-page paper that includes:

1. The benefits of conducting regular YRBS to school children
2. Two behavior risks that most effect Vermont youth
3. A summary of YRBS results for Vermont youth, comparing data from 1999 and 2005.

Online resource for additional learning:

These web links will provide you with additional background information on the YRBS, as well as results from other states.

Vermont Department of Health, Search for YRBS

Centers For Disease Control, find blank copy of YRBS, click on questionnaire

Centers for Disease Control, find YRBS results for other states