Degrassi Health Education Curriculum
Author: Robin J. Kirsch
Published by: WGBH-TV, Boston, MA
Publication Year: 1992
ERIC Number: ED364514
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This 77-page health education curriculum, developed by WGBH-TV in 1992, uses six episodes from Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High as a springboard for classroom discussions on critical adolescent issues. Each unit includes background information, reproducible handouts, worksheets, and group activities.
The following Degrassi episodes were officially recommended to accompany the guide (originally distributed by Direct Cinema for classroom licensing):
- Bottled Up – Alcoholism
- Great Expectations – Relationships & Stereotypes
- One Last Dance – HIV/AIDS Awareness
- Nobody’s Perfect – Date Abuse & Gender Roles
- He Ain’t Heavy – Sexual Orientation
- It’s Late – Teen Pregnancy
While the first lesson in each unit is built around one of these six episodes, the remaining activities and discussions can be used independently. The guide was created to support middle and junior high educators in addressing real-world health and social topics with their students.