He Said, She Said - Intermediate Relationships and Friendships Inquiry Unit

Entry Event

• He Said, She Said - Project Sheet
• He Said, She Said - Practical Problem-Solving REASON Sheet

Some say "men are from Mars and women are from Venus." The differences in male and female perceptions on certain issues can create the impression that the opposite sex is from another planet. John Gray, the author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, suggests that some gender differences impact relationships. Critics say the generalization presented in Gray’s book focuses on only differences, which can be misleading. Other characteristics, such as culture, family, and values also weigh heavily on relationships. Regardless of whatever emotional, social, or physical differences exist, communication and understanding are two essential elements for the "Martians" and "Venetians" to establish toward maintaining healthy relationships. Without communication and understanding, these perception differences can contribute to conflict and hinder development or maintenance of healthy friendships and romantic relationships. The aliens have already landed, and it’s up to you to communicate with them and provide a sense of understanding to others in an effort to reduce conflict in relationships.

In groups of four, you will gather data from males and females regarding their perceptions on issues that arise in relationships. You are to create a series of four options or responses that best suit the questions below and then conduct an in-class and an out-of-class survey. Your out-of-class survey responses should be from a random sample of 20 males and 20 females. Once the surveys are complete, you will create bar graphs or pie charts (Male, Female, and Both) and a Venn diagram comparing findings from both surveys, then present findings to the class. You also will write reflections on the survey experience using the reflection prompts as a guide.

In addition to the survey containing questions teenagers are confronted with in relationships, you will interview students your age about relationship problems they face. Your group will be responsible for writing two problems, based on the interviews. Your written problems will be entered into a class drawing. Each group will draw two stories/problems and conduct a problem-solving investigation, using the Practical Problem-Solving REASON Think Sheet, that would illustrate how to approach and think about relationship problems. Teachers will score students using the Holistic PPS Rubric.

Based on these survey responses and the , stories emerging from the problem-solving investigation, your group will write two articles for the school newspaper that highlight what you have learned about communications, relationships, and problems you and your peers face.

Sexual behavior in-class survey

Directions: Answer all six questions; try to narrow each response to one most-frequent or most-influential answer.

1. What is the reason people participate in unprotected sex?
2. What causes people to participate in premarital sex?
3. What risky behavior has the most negative impact on relationships?
4. Which healthy behavior contributes the most to long-term relationships?
5. What responsibilities are associated with decisions to participate in sexual behaviors?
6. What form of sexual harassment do you find at school?

Reflect on the sexual behavior survey and the results of the survey

Directions: Respond to each of the following outcome statements with substantive answers and complete sentences.

1. When writing the survey items, I learned (I did not know before) …
2. I was shocked and dismayed by ….
3. I was most surprised by …
4. I was pleasantly surprised by …
5. I agree with … because….
6. I disagree with … because …
7. When in conflict about pre-marital sex I would …

Relationship and communication out-of-class survey (of 20 males, 20 females, randomly selected)

Directions: Answer each question by giving the one reason you believe is most likely.

1. What forms of technology support advance relationships?
2. What forms of technology exploit or hinder relationships?
3. What behaviors support and advance relationships?
4. What behaviors exploit or hinder relationships?
5. What factors support your ability to cope with the loss of a relationship?
6. What factors hinder your ability to cope with a loss in a relationship?
7. What communication skills advance relationships? In friendships? In classrooms? In the workplace?
8. What support systems contribute to reducing the effects of stress in relationships?
9. What stressors, when not identified and dealt with effectively, may lead to crisis events in relationships?
10. What areas of a relationship are impacted by cultural differences?

Reflection on relationship and communication survey

Support your answers with information you learned. Write your answers in complete sentences.

1. Which answer by the females and by the males surprised you the most? Why?
2. Which answer by the males and by the females did you believe was most predictable? Why?
3. Which question you developed was your best question because it informed you? Explain.
4. Select one question and describe it in the context of an experience you have had.
5. Select a question that addresses an issue you feel most capable of handling. In 2-3 paragraphs explain the issue and what personal assets you have that would help you handle it well. Describe skills you developed during this inquiry that gives you added confidence.

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