The following ideas are adaptable classroom activities that encourage students to be active citizens

1. Explore Global Strategies for Fighting AIDS.
The AIDS pandemic has seen increased numbers of cases in all regions of the world. Many countries have gotten a late start on the problem but are taking steps to address the issue and hopefully bring the numbers down. Divide students into 10 pairs or groups and have each group research one of the regions on NOW's HIV/AIDS Map. Ask students to review the information for their region and draw some conclusions based on the following questions: Has the number of people living with AIDS in their region increased or decreased? By how much? Does this amount correlate with the percentage increase or decrease? Explain. Next tell students to go to the UNAIDS Web site (http://www.unaids.org/en/default.asp) and research some of the ways their assigned regions are addressing the AIDS problem. They can get information on their region by going to the menu on the left side and clicking "Geographical Area," and then click "By Region" or "By Country." Students should look into funding for AIDS treatment, education programs, and helping children in their region. They may also check other sources. They should then make recommendations on what further actions the regions should take to continue to effectively address the problem.

2. Propose Legislation to Create Solutions to the AIDS Pandemic.
Public policy in the form of legislation is one way students can get involved in addressing the AIDS problem. Have students meet as a class to brainstorm issues surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic. These issues could include education, medical treatment, prevention, and medical research. Then have them break up into small groups and choose one of the issues they have developed. Next, ask students to address the following questions on their issue: What is the problem? Why is it a problem? What are action(s) to address the problem? What are the expected results? What are some possible negative effects of the action? What actions can be taken to address these negative effects? Using the provided Bill Writing Template, students should develop legislation that addresses their chosen issue. Students can then present their bill to the class for review and evaluation. Afterward, students can send a letter to their congressional representative or senator explaining what they have done in class, discussing their ideas to address the problem, and sending in their bill as an example.

3. Invite Local Political Leaders to Discuss AIDS Treatment and Prevention.
Discussing AIDS can be controversial, and teachers should take care to present a balanced view of the issues and clear all activities with administrators. The November 4, 2005 NOW broadcast features several different issues related to HIV/AIDS and presents some polarized views on the types of strategies that should be used to prevent the spread of HIV. (Note: A free transcript of this broadcast is available. Teachers may also tape the broadcast off-air and use it in the classroom for one year. Alternatively, programs are available for purchase from ShopPBS.) Watch the program and summarize the different viewpoints of activists, politicians, and public health officials. Have students also review and take notes on the policies of groups like Concerned Women for America (http://www.cwfa.org/main.asp) and Planned Parenthood (http://www.plannedparenthood.org) for further information. With notes from their research, students should develop a series of questions regarding what is being done locally to address the AIDS issue as it relates to young people and public policy. Have students invite local political representatives and/or public officials, including members of the school board to participate in a panel discussion moderated by students with questions from their research on officials' perspectives on HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

4. Create Action Plans to Fight HIV/AIDS. Students can get involved in addressing the HIV/AIDS issue in their local community in ways that can have an impact and encourage them to become active in community affairs. Divide the class into small groups and have them take out a sheet of paper. Ask students to brainstorm pro-active activities to address some of the issues of HIV/AIDS in the areas of education, medical treatment, prevention, and medical research in their immediate community. Divide students into small groups and invite each group to select one of the listed activities that they will develop and implement. Possible examples might be a public education campaign, a media campaign, a music fundraiser for AIDS treatment and prevention agencies, or a proposal to local government or school officials to develop an AIDS awareness program. For ideas, students can refer to The Online NewsHour's feature on "The AIDS Crisis" (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/aids/index.html, the HIV Prevention Trials Network (http://www.hptn.org/community_program/community_involvement_toolbox.htm) and the Student Global AIDS Campaign (http://www.fightglobalaids.org).

About the Author
Greg Timmons is a teacher, curriculum writer, and Executive Director of The Constitution Project in Portland, Oregon. He has taught middle school and secondary social studies for over 30 years, written lessons, and directed institutes on U.S. Constitution-related issues. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Council for the Social Studies.