LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Show understanding of an article about screen time and eye health; describe how to keep eyes healthy despite screen exposure; evaluate one’s own screen time eye care routine

HEALTH ED STANDARDS

NHES 7: Demonstrate a variety of healthy practices and behaviors to maintain or improve health.

CASEL COMPETENCY: Self-management; responsible decision-making

KEY VOCAB

pupils, retinas, genetics, conjunctivitis, nutrients

Lesson Plan: A User's Guide to Your Eyes

All those hours online got you squinting? You’re not alone! Keep your eyes on this story for all the inside info on how to screen-proof your vision.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can I keep my eyes healthy even when I can’t avoid spending lots of time in front of a screen?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. What are ophthalmologists? Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in eye care.
  2. According to the article, ophthalmologists have been noticing a rise in what types of symptoms in teens? List at least two symptoms. Accept any two: dry eyes; blurry vision; headaches
  3. What is “near work,” according to the article, and why is too much of it harmful? “Near work” involves focusing on things close to your face, such as your phone, and it can lead to nearsightedness.

 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. Which symptoms from increased screen time have you experienced? Consider symptoms mentioned in the article as well as symptoms that are not mentioned in the article. Possible answers: Headaches; blurry vision; spotty vision; trouble focusing; nausea or “cybersickness”; dizziness; drowsiness; difficulty going to sleep at bedtime
  2. At your school, did any students, parents, or school staff advocate for a change of schedule or alterations to classes to reduce screen time for students? If so, what was the outcome? Answers will vary.
  3. Do you think increased screen time for teens is here to stay, or will things eventually go back to the way they were pre-pandemic? Explain. Possible answers: Increased screen time is here to stay because now both teachers and students are accustomed to blended learning; things will go back to normal because many students want and need in-person support from their teachers.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

DIGGING DEEPER

NHES 2

CASEL Competency: Self-management; responsible decision-making

Now that students have had a chance to reflect on how screen time affects their eyes, have them complete the SCREEN-FREE CHALLENGE by generating a list of activities that Americans commonly do using a screen, and then discuss which of those activities has a screen-free alternative. Then, challenge your students to complete one screen-free activity. Consider having them share a quick snapshot of their screen-free activities using the hashtag #screenfreechallenge! (Click here to find this Skill Builder.)

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

NHES 7

CASEL Competency: Responsible decision-making

In this activity, students will create a poster or social media explainer to spread awareness about how to SCREEN-PROOF YOUR EYES! Have them choose 3-5 of their favorite tips from the article to share with the school. If appropriate, you can also have the class vote on the best design(s) and get permission to post them around the school or on the school’s social media account. Consider using this awareness campaign to spread the #screenfreechallenge schoolwide! (Click here to find this Skill Builder.)

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