English Lesson Plan

Overview: “Cocaine” is not just a drug — it’s the name of a new high-caffeine drink some say is targeted at teens. Because of complaints, some stores, such as 7-Eleven, decided not to sell it.

Suggested time allotment: Writing prompt with in-class assignment of 20 minutes or less.

Objectives
Students will:
1. Read the article or listen to the audio about the new drink and react – either to the product itself and its name or to 7-Eleven decision to pull it from the shelves.

Standards: National Council of Teachers of English/International Reading Association Standards:
7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
8. Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
12. Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information).

Resources and materials: Websites with information
• “7-Eleven pulling ‘cocaine’ drink from shelves” aired on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” Oct. 25, 2006.
| view website |

• A Newsday article by staffer Bryan Virasami ran Oct. 3, 2006, with the headline: “’Cocaine’ takes a hit: Energy drink’s name generates controversy and little euphoria, with some decrying its references to drug.”
| view website |