Government Class Student Created PSA: Don't Text and Drive

The second unit of many government courses is “Participating in Government.” This unit begins with an introduction to political parties, proceeds to elections and voting, and concludes with a study of mass media, interest groups, and public opinion. As students began studying mass media’s role in politics, they learn that the media sometimes has a public agenda, and that while media does not necessarily tell the public what to think, media does shape opinion by focusing attention on an issue. A positive side to the idea of shaping opinion is the public service announcement which students learn have the following objectives: raise awareness of a social issue, and change public attitudes and behavior towards a social issue. High school students today face many pressing social issues. Having students identify an important social issue, research that issue, and then create and present a public service announcement allows them to analyze the power of the media and the media’s role in the political process.