Risk Radar Slides High School Health: Unit 3
Risk Radar
Mapping the controllable and uncontrollable factors of mental health.
Identify • Categorize • Control
The Risk Jar
On your slip of paper, write down one thing you think causes stress or mental health issues.
Be honest, but keep it anonymous.
Folding your paper twice before putting it in the jar.
We will read a few aloud to see common themes.
"What's fueling the fire?"
Watch & Analyze: The Causes
Embedded media
Your Task
Listen for the 5 key factors mentioned.
Question to ponder
"Is mental illness a choice, a fate, or something in between?"
The Big Five Factors
Genetics
Biological DNA & heritage.
Lifestyle
Habits, sleep, & exercise.
Environment
Social surroundings & culture.
Brain Injury
Physical trauma (TBI).
Past Trauma
History & past experiences.
Circle of Control
Categorizing the factors on your handout.
Class Activity: 20 Minutes
Out of Control
Shared Control
My Control
1
Inside: Where does Lifestyle go? Why?
2
Outside: Where do Genetics and Brain Injury go?
3
On the Line: Why is Environment in the middle?
"We can't change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
Personal Action Plan
Write a 3-sentence plan on how to improve one specific lifestyle factor this week.
Sleep Schedule
Screen Time
Activity Level
Risk Radar Activity Sheet Risk Radar
Mental Health Factors & Control
Name:
Date:
1
Video Analysis: The Big Five
As you watch the video, categorize the five factors mentioned into the table below. Use the "Notes" column to jot down one specific detail for each.
Factor Name Controllable? Key Detail / Example 1. Genetics No 2. Lifestyle Yes 3. Environment Partially 4. Brain Injury No 5. Past Experience No
2
Circle of Control Mapping
Based on our class discussion, place the factors in the correct zone. Inside = Full Control, On the Line = Some influence, Outside = No Control.
My
Control
Out of Control Zone
Influenced Zone
Guiding Question:
"Why might things like 'Friends' or 'Home Environment' sit on the line between inside and outside?"
The Goal:
Learn to focus your energy where you have the most power to create change.
3
Action Plan: One Small Step
Identify one specific Lifestyle Factor (e.g., sleep, screen time, physical activity) you want to improve this week. Write a 3-sentence plan below.
Target Factor:
1. What will I change? 2. How will I do it? 3. When will I start?
Risk Radar Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Risk Radar
Lesson Duration: 40-45 Min
Target Grade: 9th-10th Health
Lesson Objective
Students will differentiate between controllable and uncontrollable risk factors for mental illness. By the end of the lesson, they will identify specific lifestyle choices that impact their mental well-being and develop a short-term action plan for improvement.
Materials Needed
Video: "Causes of Mental Illness"
Stress Slips (1 per student)
Physical Jar/Box
Activity Handouts
Whiteboard & Markers
Pacing & Flow
00-05 min
The Hook: The Risk Jar
Distribute Stress Slips. Ask students to write one stressor anonymously. Collect them in the jar. Read 3-4 aloud. Note: If a student writes something concerning (self-harm, etc.), follow school safety protocol immediately after class.
05-15 min
Direct Instruction: Video Analysis
Play the video and use the following pause points for brief class discussion:
1:32 (Genetics): "If genetics is only one factor, does that mean everyone with a family history will get a mental illness? Why or why not?"
2:15 (Lifestyle): "Which of the factors mentioned here do we have the most control over?"
4:03 (Synthesis): "Explain the difference between 'Environment' (current surroundings) and 'Past Experience' (historical trauma)."
15-35 min
Application: Circle of Control
Students work on their handout while you draw a large circle on the board. Group factors together. Focus: Coping strategies for the 'Outside' factors (e.g., therapy for trauma, medicine for genetics).
35-40 min
Exit Ticket: Action Plan
Students complete the 3-sentence plan. Remind them: "Start with one small, achievable change."
Key Concepts & Answers
Factor Categorization
INSIDE: Lifestyle
Choices: Sleep, diet, drugs/alcohol, screen time.
ON THE LINE: Environment
We can influence our friends/hobbies, but not our parents or local culture.
OUTSIDE: Genetics, Brain Injury, Past Trauma
Factors we are born with or happened to us in the past.
Common Misconceptions
Stress Slips Template Stress Slips: The Risk Jar Activity
Cut along the dotted lines. Provide one slip per student for the Hook activity.
Risk Factor Slip
What's one thing that causes stress or mental health issues?
Anonymous • Fold twice
Risk Factor Slip
What's one thing that causes stress or mental health issues?
Anonymous • Fold twice
Risk Factor Slip
What's one thing that causes stress or mental health issues?
Anonymous • Fold twice
Risk Factor Slip
What's one thing that causes stress or mental health issues?
Anonymous • Fold twice
Risk Factor Slip
What's one thing that causes stress or mental health issues?
Anonymous • Fold twice
Risk Factor Slip
What's one thing that causes stress or mental health issues?
Anonymous • Fold twice
Risk Factor Slip
What's one thing that causes stress or mental health issues?
Anonymous • Fold twice
Risk Factor Slip
What's one thing that causes stress or mental health issues?
Anonymous • Fold twice