Actis Scenarios

Lesson plan

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Background - Children may have previously worked on road safety issues: traffic surveys, local area studies etc.

Children in groups
Before the event, organise the squads, about 4 in each squad. More than 4 may mean there are redundant group members, less and they won't cope! These should be in mixed ability groupings, ensuring that each group has at least one fluent reader. Where appropriate, one member of the group should be designated as a runner, with the job of collecting new messages as they come off the printer. Each message must be read aloud by the group.

Introduction
Distribute photocopied maps of Millford Village. Each squad should look carefully at the map and identify 5 dangerous spots. They then briefly report back to the whole class and share their findings. Now each group should label the dangerous areas in order of their priority - 1 being the most dangerous, 5 being the least.

Start the message stream
Demonstrate to the pupils how to open the first message and read aloud the briefing. Distribute the note-taking sheets and answer any questions. When you are ready, 'log on' to begin the message stream. At this point pupils become responsible for collecting and reading messages as they arrive.

During the message stream
Pupils, using their map and cut-out symbols of people and vehicles, begin to build a visual and mental picture of how the accident happened. If possible, try to keep out of the way. Do not cut the bulletins from the printer or intervene in the process. It has much more impact if the pupils are allowed to organise themselves and reach their own conclusions.

After the message stream
When the stream of messages is over, allow squads time to reflect and then remind them of their task. Using the briefing sheet, each squad must mount a presentation to the Chief of Police (and the rest of the groups) specifying:

What they think happened, in detail. They can use diagrams, blackboards, flipcharts if you have them, anything that will aid explanation.
A plan to improve the area so that accidents are less likely to occur in future. Again, use of diagrams to be encouraged.

Each squad must organise themselves so that the presentation is shared around the group. Allow them at least half an hour for this stage (more if you think they need it and if you have the time available).

Conclusion
End the session with the presentations. Visiting 'officials' can ask questions after each presentation, as can other squads.

Extend the session by selecting from the range of curricular linked activities.