HDEVS13

Title: Sex in Middle School? Author: John Stossel Date Published: Dec. 6, 2012 Why relevant and details: This article discusses the decrease in the percentage of middle schoolers engaging in sexual activity over the last decade and also offers tips for parents on how to talk to their kids about sex. Additionally, the article features a few personal stories from young teens. How this influenced my thinking: As a mother of two young girls, it won't be long until I'll be dealing with talking to my kids about these issues. I was glad to read from several sources, including this one, that the rates of sexual activity among teens and preteens has been declining over the past few years.

Title: Puberty Before Age 10: A New 'Normal'? Author: Elizabeth Weil Date Published: March 30th, 2012 Why Relevant and Summary: It goes through the very basic changes that are seen in puberty, but it's discussing these changes happening in very young girls. In this article, they describe the situation of a little girl in the first grade! How This Influenced My Thinking: Made me aware of what I was consuming and how I may decide to raise my children. It is concerning that there's a possibility of "outside" estrogen causing this early onset of puberty. It's also interesting that we do not note this trend in boys. Credibility of Source: Good - NY Times is very popular. The article contains advice from a variety of doctors and professionals.

Title: Parents' Sex Talk with Kids: Too Little, Too Late Author: Alice Park Date Published: Monday, Dec. 07, 2009 Why Relevant and Summary: this article discusses parents views on giving the sex talk and how one might go about doing it, and what benefits come from being open with your kids about it. Most parents dont discuss sex topics and their children are already gaining sexual experience without safe background knowledge. How This Influenced My Thinking: i knew sex was always an awkward topic, but when i was young my dad explained to me what it was, and discussed puberty with me and it was normal and not odd. as i grew into adolescence it became wierd to talk to my parents. this just showed me that parents can find it difficult to the point where they ignore the issue and dont bother discussing it. Credibility of source: Time Magazine;

Title: Puberty Author: No Author Date Published: Last updated October 13, 2010 Why Relevant and Summary: This article is published on .gov website and provides, in depth information about the changes that specifically happen to girls. It talks about, changes in body shape, breasts, body hair and changes going on in the mind. It talks about menarche, getting enough sleep, sexuality, dealing with dating etc. Most importantly, the website talks about protecting yourself, if your sexually active and how important it is to seek medical care such as seeing a gynocologist. How This Influenced My Thinking: I think it is great that this information is presented appropriately for young girls to utilize and educate themselves on what is going on within their bodies as well as reassuring them that this is all normal and happens to all of us. I'm glad that this information is readily available to girls that perhaps do not have relationships with their parents to discuss these topics. Credibility of Source: Yes, this website is managed by : The Office of Woman's Health, Office of Assistant Secretary for Health and the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Title: Female Sex Hormones Author: Dawn Tamarkin PhD Date Published: 2011 Why Relevant and Summary: Overview of female sex hormones and how they are made. How this influenced my thinking: I didn't know that fat had anything to do with hormones. Credibility of Source: High, writen by a PhD

Title: Puberty Author: n.a. Date: 2012 Why relevant and summary: Explains the biological changes that occur during puberty. How this influenced my thinking: I was surprised how much your hormones have to do with the physical shape of your body. Credibility: Seems very credible

Title: Kohlberg Author: Saul McLeod Date Published: 2011 Why relevant/summary: This goes over the different levels and stages of kohlberg's moral reasoning theory. Explains an exaple he used for determining moral reasoning (Heinz question). How this influenced my thinking: This further explained what each stage resembles morally. this showed me one of the examples from his research, and how each group resoinded to it. this gave me firther depth into the stages. (at least from another perspective) Credibility: Saul McLeod has written quite a bit of information around psychology and development. Simply Psychology website. has citations and references.

Title: Kohlberg's Three Levels and Six Stages of Moral Reasoning Author:T. M McDevitt| & J. E. Ormrod Date Published: n.d. Why Relevant and Summary: It discuss the three and six stages of Moral reasoning. How this influenced my thinking: it taught me more about morality and what influences and what stages an individual will go through. Credibility of source: seems credible it sources information and has two different authors.

Title: When Parents and Teens Clash over Religion Author: Victoria Clayton Date Published: April 4, 2005 Why Relevant and Summary: This is an article regarding parents problems with their children when there is debate about the beliefs of their religion and when the child doesn't believe the same as the parents. There is some advice given to those parents as well as some facts regarding benefits and drawbacks of growing up with a religion. How This Influenced My Thinking: I have always believed growing up with a religion is important and that it does make a person more likely to associate their lives with positive things, but it is interesting to read and learn about some of the drawbacks Credibility of Source: this is an article from ABC news and it involves a person's actual experience.

Title: Peer Relations in Middle Childhood Author: L.B. Blume Date Published: 2007 Why Relevant and Summary: This when into great depth about middle childhood friendship and then even went on to talk about popularity at the same age level. How This Influenced My Thinking: It made me realize popularity is actually a huge thing with fourth graders Credibility of Source: No way to tell but it seems like a very credible source!

Title: The Child with Poor Social Relations- Rejected Author: The Hincks-Dellcrest Center Date Published: NA Why Relevant and Summary: Gives many interesting facts. How This Influenced My Thinking: Just supported ideas Credibility of Source: Very

Title: Characteristics of the Formal Operational Thinker Author: Kendra Cherry Date Published:NA Why Relevant and Summary: Give good explanation of stages How This Influenced My Thinking: Backed up what book said Credibility of Source: pretty good

Title: Formal Operational Stage of Cognitive Development Author: Kendra Cherry Date Published: N.D. Why Relevant and Summary: Explains Piaget's last stage of cognitive development, the formal operation stage. Identifies this stage's importance in thought and perception and it's lasting affects on our cognitive abilities. How This Influenced My Thinking: Allowed for me to compare my cognitive growth and development to Piaget's levels/stages of cognitive development. Credibility of Source: About.com- pretty credible.

Title: Identity Shifts for Teens, But Not Their Religion Author: Rick Nauert Ph. D. Date Published: July 1, 2011 Why Relevant and Summary: Gave a good cultural study for continued religion in teens How This Influenced My Thinking: Backed up my feelings Credibility of Source: Very Credible

Title: Parenting Styles Author: Kendra Cherry Date Published: nd Why Relevant and Summary: i believe this is a good website to go to when startong research on the parenting styles How This Influenced My Thinking: I was able to better understand the different styles of parenting and i applied my own life into this as well Credibility: Credible source, but more research can be done

Title: How parents can confront childhood obesity Author: nd Why relevant and summary: this is a good website because it has an index where you can specifically click certain links that are related to what you want to may be learn or talk about. How influenced my thinking: I did not know the extent to which this can also affect a parent. Credibility: Credible and trusted source

Title: Should gay marriage be legal Author: Procon.org Date Published: 4/12/2013 Why Relevant and Summary: Gives a rather unbiased argument to both sides of gay marriage. Very useful information, background and other wise. How This Influenced My Thinking: Didn't, but it was very interesting to read some of the background information . Credibility of Source: Credible, based on common sense as well as references from history.

Title: Understanding Childhood Obesity Author: Len Saunders Date Published: October 23, 2012 Why Relevant and Summary: This article reflects upon many of the socio-cultural factors which have aided in our childhood obesity epidemic. How This Influenced My Thinking: I showed me how our problem of obesity cannot be limited to diet and exercise, but is the perfect storm of sendentary/obesity-promoting occurances within our culture. Credibility of Source: 6 - He has served on many board with education & influence in childhood obesity.

Title: Should I Get A Divorce? Author: Amy Desai Date Published: 2006-2007 Why Relevant and Summary: This article give the viewpoint from a Christian worldview, in which options other than divorce are evaluated. It warns of the long-lasting effects an emotional judgment may not take the time to contemplate. How This Influenced My Thinking: This whole Focus on the Family site has great resources and ideas for those in marital distress. Credibility of Source: 6- Expert in the field but not clear citing of resources.

Title: [Discovery Channel] Body Story - Episode 4 - Teen Dreams Author: Discovery Channel Date Published: March 2012 Why Relevant and Summary: This film clip gives a great visual description of what occurs both inside and ourside of the body during male & female puberty. How This Influenced My Thinking: This film bring puberty back to rememberance and makes it personal, again. Credibility of Source: 7- Discovery Channel endorsed.

Title: Teaching About Religion Author: Mynga Futrell, Ph.D Date Published: 8/18/06 Why Relevant and Summary: This article shows how a worldview is developed and perpetuated. How This Influenced My Thinking: It breaks down the elements which create one's worldview. Credibility of Source: 7- in text citations