Pedestrian safety is a critical issue that affects everyone, regardless of age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2019, and another 137,000 were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries. To help address this issue, Safe Kids Worldwide has developed a lesson plan for high school students that aims to educate them on pedestrian safety.
The lesson plan, available on the Safe Kids Worldwide website, is designed to be used in a classroom setting and has several key objectives. Firstly, it aims to provide students with an understanding of the risks associated with pedestrian travel. Secondly, it aims to teach students how to properly cross the street and use pedestrian crossings. Finally, it aims to encourage students to adopt safe pedestrian behaviors.
The lesson plan is divided into three sections: pre-lesson activities, the lesson itself, and post-lesson activities. The pre-lesson activities are designed to get students thinking about pedestrian safety and include a pre-assessment quiz, a brainstorming activity, and a short video on pedestrian safety. The lesson itself is broken down into several sections, each with specific learning objectives. These sections cover topics such as pedestrian visibility, road safety rules, and identifying hazards.
Throughout the lesson, students are encouraged to participate in discussions and activities, which aim to reinforce the key concepts being taught. For example, students are asked to identify potential hazards in a given scenario and come up with strategies for avoiding them. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to practice crossing the street using a simulated pedestrian crossing.
The post-lesson activities are designed to reinforce the key messages of the lesson and encourage students to take action. These activities include a post-assessment quiz, a reflection exercise, and a homework assignment that encourages students to share their newfound knowledge with their family and friends.
The Safe Kids Worldwide lesson plan is a valuable resource for high school teachers and students alike. By educating students on the risks associated with pedestrian travel and teaching them safe pedestrian behaviors, we can help reduce the number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities on our roads.
PACE TULSA 