Friday, February 7, 2014

B.Y.O.F (ARG 2 Food Amendment)

INTRODUCTION
It's the second Argument Action Project and we're already making changes to the laws of our school.
We created our own amendments/rules by revising and changing the originals that were created for us by the teachers. We compared unjust  school rules to many different historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Haitian Declaration of Independence. From these comparisons, we studied examples of excellence to create our own. I am most proud of my amendment because it's something that I really want to see change in my school community. 



             Fotolia, (January 2014). 5 Healthy Snacks 



OLD RULE

“NO food is allowed during class or int he classrooms. Snacks are welcome and allowed between class and/or during lunchtime. In the hallways or in the kitchen ONLY."(GCE Code of Conduct)  
This rule is unjust because what if it’s cold outside? Some people want warm drinks all the time when it’s cold and when it’s warm.

Now, I will  convert this unjust rule to a formal argument with a 3-part syllogism;

  • (Rule) Major Premise: If students bring food or drink into class, students will be asked to leave. 
  • (Case) Minor Premise: Lester is a student who brought food into class.
  • (Result) Conclusion: Therefore, Lester was asked to leave class. 
This type of syllogism is called a deduction. A deductive argument comes from an absolute rule. It is fact-based, and universally true. It has no exceptions. This is why it needs changing. 

LOGICAL REASONS TO REVISE
Humans are not computers. Computers do not run off of food and drinks obviously, but they're always focused on what is being researched, typed, or even used for fun always.  Humans are built for...

  • Thirst
  • Hunger
  • Focus
  • Energy


LIFE AT SCHOOL 
The changes to the NO Food Policy in my school community will help everybody and benefit them to work more effectively throughout the day if the food/drinks are needed. Students and teachers need some form of food or beverage to get them through the day sometimes, so this will help them greatly.

EVIDENCE

Everyone should eat a balanced diet, but it’s especially important for children and adolescents, whose bodies and brains are still growing. For example, when the brain tell you you're hungry, you have that want and need to eat something right away. Snacking is important for children, and teens because they have smaller stomachs than adults and cannot necessarily eat enough to stay full in one meal or sitting. Children need to be able to refuel throughout the day to maintain energy and focus on academics, and that's where snacking comes in. It's crucial these snacks be health-conscious, as studies show that in states where laws require schools to sell only snacks that meet certain nutrition requirements children gain less weight as they get older. 

NEW RULE 
Food will be allowed in class if needed. For example, a kid is constantly dehydrated and needs water everywhere they go, even when their school does not allow food and drinks in class.

  • (Rule) Major Premise: Food and drinks are allowed in class, and you will not be kicked out.
  • (Case) Minor Premise: Lester had snacks during class.
  • (Result) Conclusion: Therefore, Lester can finish his snacks and not get kicked out of class.

METAPHOR FOR NEW RULE 
A flower cannot blossom without sunlight and minerals.
Teens, and kids cannot progress without their food and nutrients. 


     Rip Van Winkle, (December 2013). Rose 




HISTORICAL CONTEXT
I studied the 10th Amendment of the Constitution of the USA, and the tenth amendment compares to the changes that I want to my school rule about food and drink policy by giving people individual rights to eat or drink something while they’re in class.
The connection between my historical text and my amendment is that they’re both supporting individuals who needs to be supported at the moment. They differ because the 10th Amendment is for every state across the U.S. and this new rule I am creating is only for my high school in the state of Illinois. 

SUPPORT FOR NEW RULE 
This is a sample of the things students are saying about my amendment. Food "helps me concentrate in class by occupying my attention and helping me focus. It will be amazing!" says sophomore BKJ. 

Cosign
ABK
NC
BS
EVH
JL
MD


CITATIONS

  • GCE Code of Conduct
  • Alissa Fleck, Healthy Eating 2012

No comments:

Post a Comment