Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this lesson, students are introduced to the topic of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. They establish their prior knowledge about organ and tissue donation through a group brainstorming activity, then watch a short clip from the documentary film Dying to Live. Students reflect on the clip and frame two questions they have about the topic, which they then use to direct their independent research. Students will share what they discover with their peers in a group discussion.
Dying To Live is a documentary feature film that examines organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Australia through seven different stories that highlight the social, physical and emotional effects of being on the organ donor waiting list. The film also aims to dispel myths about organ and tissue donation while encouraging family conversations so that family members are aware of their loved ones’ donation intentions. You can purchase a DVD of the film at The Education Shop or you can stream the film on YouTube or Google Play for minimal cost or via DocPlay.
Learning intentions:
- Students will understand more about organ and tissue donation.
- Students will be able to frame questions about a challenging issue.
- Students will be able to use an online source to find answers to their questions.
- Students will be able to present information about organ and tissue donation to their peers.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 9 English
- Listen to spoken texts constructed for different purposes, for example to entertain and to persuade, and analyse how language features of these texts position listeners to respond in particular ways (ACELY1740)
- Use interaction skills to present and discuss an idea and to influence and engage an audience by selecting persuasive language, varying voice tone, pitch, and pace, and using elements such as music and sound effects (ACELY1811)
Year 10 English
- Identify and explore the purposes and effects of different text structures and language features of spoken texts, and use this knowledge to create purposeful texts that inform, persuade and engage (ACELY1750)
- Use organisation patterns, voice and language conventions to present a point of view on a subject, speaking clearly, coherently and with effect, using logic, imagery and rhetorical devices to engage audiences (ACELY1813)
Syllabus outcomes: EN5-2A, EN5-3B, ENLS-10B, ENLS-12C, ENLS-13C
General capabilities: Literacy, Ethical understanding
Relevant parts of Year 9 achievement standards: Students evaluate and integrate ideas and information from texts to form their own interpretations. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, comparing and evaluating responses to ideas and issues.
Relevant parts of Year 10 achievement standards: Students explain different viewpoints, attitudes and perspectives through the development of cohesive and logical arguments. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, building on others’ ideas, solving problems, justifying opinions and developing and expanding arguments.
Topic: Social Issues, Learning Through Film
Unit of work: Dying to Live – English – Year 9 & 10
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion
Resources required: Student Worksheets – one copy per student. Device capable of presenting a video to the class. Sticky notes (enough for 4–5 per student). Web-enabled device (one per pair of students). Butcher’s paper and markers.
Related Professional Development: Exploring General Capabilities: Ethical Understanding
Keywords: Organ and tissue donation, changing minds, ethics, health, wellbeing, social issues, question posing, research, group discussion, Dying to Live
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Cool Australia, Aquarius Productions and Intrinsic Story would like to acknowledge the generous contributions of GoodPitch² Australia, Shark Island Institute, and Documentary Australia Foundation in the development of these teaching resources.
Teacher Preparation
Teacher content information: Organ and tissue donation are not always easy topics for discussion. However, with an average of 1,500 Australians on the transplant waiting list, increasing rates of donation is vitally important: a donation can both save and improve lives.
