In this module, students explore the array of options, access, and information Americans have when deciding what to eat through the topic of Food Choices. As in previous modules, in Lesson 1 of Unit 1, students discover this topic by examining multiple artifacts, and they are introduced to the guiding questions of the module and the culminating performance task. In the second lesson, students begin reading their anchor text, The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, and they analyze the author's point of view and perspective. Throughout the subsequent lessons in the first half of the unit as they continue to read excerpts from The Omnivore's Dilemma, students also analyze the structure Pollan uses and how it contributes to key points. Students begin to delineate and evaluate Pollan's arguments, as well as arguments presented in video format. When reading and watching videos to delineate and evaluate arguments, they consider whether the evidence is sound and sufficient. This work prepares students for the Mid-Unit 1 Assessment.

In the second half of Unit 1, students continue to read The Omnivore's Dilemma while exploring other mediums such as digital print, video, and photographs that express information about food choices. Students analyze the purpose and motive behind information presented in these different mediums and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums to present information. Students also analyze cases in which two sources disagree. This work prepares students for the end of unit assessment.

Please note: For the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum, there are Teaching Notes for each unit that contain helpful information for supporting English language learners. These overview notes complement the more specific English language learner supports and differentiated materials within each lesson. You will find the Teaching Notes in the Unit download below.