SUPER SIZE ME
REFLECTION
The film Super Size Me highlights many interesting and disturbing facts
about diet and sedentary lifestyle in Western society. Respond to each of
the questions on the back of this page in at least a paragraph, using ideas
raised in the film, ensuring that you reference any outside sources of
information (including the film).
Most questions will require you to investigate certain issues or ideas, use
the information from the textbook, or require a reflective opinion on social
issues pertaining to biological issues.
You will be assessed according to the following criteria:
I2
Selection and acknowledgment of information about biology and issues in biology from different
sources.
AE3
Analysis and evaluation of data and other evidence to formulate relevant conclusions.
A1
Application of biological concepts and evidence from investigations to solve problems in new and familiar
contexts.
Use of knowledge of biology to understand and explain social or environmental issues.
KU2
Performance standards to attain a C in each of the assessment design criteria applicable to this assessment:
C
Investigation
Analysis and Evaluation
Application
Knowledge and
Understanding
Selects with some focus, and
mostly appropriately
acknowledges, information about
biology and issues in biology from
different sources.
Analyses and evaluates data and
other evidence to formulate
simple and generally relevant
conclusions.
Applies biological concepts and
evidence from investigations to
suggest some solutions to basic
problems in new or familiar
contexts.
Uses knowledge of biology with
some logic to understand and
explain one or more social or
environmental issues.
1
E
2
3
4
D
5
6
7
C
8
9
10
B
11
12
13
A
14
15
N.B. this grade is only an indicator of your progress this semester. Semester grades are based upon the
level at which the student achieves according to the performance standards over the whole semester.
I2
Selection and acknowledgment of information about biology and
issues in biology from different sources.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU USE GOOD SOURCES OF INFORMATION TO SUPPORT YOUR
IDEAS AND THAT
EVERYTHING
IS APPROPRIATELY REFERENCED!
AE3 Analysis and evaluation of data and other evidence to formulate
relevant conclusions.
1.
Australia was named fattest nation in the world in 2008. Using statistics to support your response, explain
the long term impacts of such an obesity epidemic on society.
2. Did this movie change your view of fast food? Did this movie change your view of your own eating habits?
3. Using a map of your suburb and the suburbs surrounding it, locate and plot on the map all the large fast
food chains (i.e. McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, KFC, Dominos Pizza). Explain the location of the fast food
restaurants and how they are geographically distributed. Explain why location is crucial for fast food
restaurants.
A1
Application of biological concepts and evidence from investigations
to solve problems in new and familiar contexts.
4. Morgan experiences withdrawal-like symptoms between meals and addictive type euphoria after a meal.
Explain what physiologically is going on inside his body at these different times.
5. Explain what a gastric-bypass is and why it can be a solution to weight problems.
6. If we consider this project an experiment, why did Morgan make several doctors’ visits before he started
this project?
7. Consider the constant variables of Morgan’s investigation and assess how fair it was.
KU2 Use of knowledge of biology to understand and explain social or
environmental issues.
8. Why is McDonald’s marketing to children an issue at all?
9. A Sodexho Services representative said, “Part of our position is that we’re hoping that their (the students’)
nutrition education... the students will learn to make the right food choices without restricting what they
can purchase.” What does this demonstrate about their commitment to healthy food for young people in the
cafeterias they service? What obligation should companies servicing school canteens/cafeterias have in
regard to healthy food being available to young people?
10. What was the result of the McDonald’s lawsuit court case? Explain whether you agree or disagree with the
ruling.
11. Should fast food companies be held responsible for the obesity problem in the US or any country?
12. Does our society promote an unhealthy attitude toward food and lifestyle?