Fact or Fiction Print

A Lesson Plan from Life Planning Education: A Youth Development Program

Purpose: To reinforce information and dispel myths related to sexuality and reproduction
Materials: Board and chalk or newsprint and markers for scoreboard; Leader's Resources, Answers to “Fact or Fiction"(pdf) and Questions for "Fact or Fiction” (pdf). Scissors, container (paper bag, shoe box or hat); prizes (optional)   
Time: 45-55 minutes

Planning Notes:

  • Make a copy of the Leader's Resource, “Questions for Fact or Fiction,” and cut it into strips. Fold the strips and place them in the container.
  • You may add or delete statements, depending on the age and sophistication of your group.

Procedure:

  1. Tell the group they will play a game to learn what is fact and what is fiction about sexuality and reproduction. Point out that even though references to sexuality are everywhere—in magazines, television, movies and music—there is rarely any correct information. A lot of what passes for fact is really only fiction, even though many teenagers and adults may believe it is true.
  2. Explain instructions for the game:
    • The group will be divided into two teams that will compete against each other.
    • A member of the first team will draw a statement from this container and say whether it is fact or fiction. Team members will give advice to answer the question.
    • Then, the second team will draw a statement. The game will continue until we run out of time.
    • Each correct answer gets one point and the team with the most points will win.
  3. Divide the group into two teams and begin the game by asking someone from the first team to draw a statement from the container. Encourage the person to confer with other teens on his or her team. If the answer given is correct, award one point. If it is incorrect, say so in a way that preserves the young people's self esteem: “Lots of people believe that is true, but...” or “I learned it that way, but then I found out it was wrong.¬”
  4. Go on to the second team. Continue until time is up or until everyone has chosen a statement.
  5. Award prizes to the winning team and the runners up, pointing out that when young people learn correct information about sexuality and human 'reproduction, everyone is a winner.
  6. Conclude the activity using the Discussion Points.

Discussion Points

  1. Are there any questions about facts or fiction that you are still unsure about? Where can you get additional information? (Answer: Parents; books on human sexuality, growth and development; the school nurse or other health practitioners and so on.)
  2. Can you think of other sexuality myths your friends believe?
  3. Which “fact” surprised you the most?
  4. What new fact will you share with a friend, romantic partner or family member?