The classic saying, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” could serve as the motto for Unit 3, which continues the discussion of values and explores how they affect risk-taking.

Many of us are conditioned to think of risk as being negative and dangerous–especially when our children are involved. It’s important to remember that risks can also be positive; they are at the core of anyone running for office (be it for class president or a national position); of someone trying out for a play or a sport; of the development of the theory of relativity. Rather than considering all risk to be bad, Unit 3 approaches risk in terms of its spectrum: safe to unsafe.

The three web-based activities associated with Unit 3 are Crossword, Self-Check, and the Web Inquiry: “Positive Risk-Taking.”

Web Inquiry: Students will read the article “Positive Risk-Taking Cuts Alcohol and Drug Use Among Teens.” The article discusses a report released by Students Against Drunk Driving and the Liberty Mutual Group that had two major findings: (1) more teens than not consider risk-taking to be positive, and (2) those who take healthy risks are less likely to engage in dangerous behaviors.

This article on positive risk-taking aligns with the following goals of Unit 3 of the LST High School curriculum:

1. How our values are influenced by our perception of risk.
2. The role substance use plays in risk-taking and its consequences.
3. How decision-making skills and understanding the factors affecting risk-taking can help us decide whether to take a risk.

Students will read the article “A Healthy You!” from the Centers for Disease Control website. The article outlines a CDC initiative targeting six critical health areas that profoundly affect teenagers’ health, as well as other significant topics.