In 2010, New York’s Governor suggested a 1¢ per ounce tax on all sugared beverages.10th graders from the Academy of Urban Planning and Engineering worked with CUP teaching artists Valeria Mogilevich and Nikki Chung and English Language Arts teacher Aisha Haynes to explore soda consumption in the Bushwick area and to understand both sides of the NYC soda tax debate.
Students hit the streets to conduct interviews across the neighborhood and collect information from locals through their “soda census.” Using recycled soda cans and sugar packets, they developed visualizations of their data to inform others about their findings. Finally, each student took a stance on the issue, using their own charts and other peoples’ articles and data to support their arguments.
The Soda Tax Booklet presents a survey of news articles on soda taxes, student-generated survey data, and opinion essays written by students to help you make up your own mind about the soda tax. It might even help you find ways to figure out your opinion on some of the other controversial issues out there!
The booklet is a great tool for math classes, food justice groups, and teachers interested in integrating current events into their classrooms. Buy or download your own copy today!