Introduction

There are many things to consider when making the choice to become sexually active. The number of teen pregnancies in the United States has been steadily decreasing since 1991, but it is still a critical problem facing our country. The effects of teen pregnancy are much more far-reaching than previously thought. Today we understand that when teens become parents they are less likely to finish school, and are more likely to live in poverty. Each year, 1 million teenage girls become pregnant and have to incur the costs of parenting the child. Students will determine the costs associated with teenage pregnancy and childbirth through age 1 of the child. By showing teens the high costs involved, they may make better decisions about becoming sexually active.

Task

Your task is to find the total amount it costs to raise a child from newborn to 1 year old. Create a flyer or pamphlet with the information you are to find. Use graphics to enhance the design of your pamphlet or flyer. Make sure that you present the information in a manner that is informative and will also draw people to read and pay attention to it.

Process

Students will discover the cost of the following searching online sites for the answers to the following:     

1. Prenatal Care including tests, diagnostic ultrasound, and doctor charges for the 9 months of pregnancy.
2. Hospital charges - labor/delivery and anesthesia charges
3. Pediatrician charges - well/sick visits, all immunizations (average $65 per visit, with eleven visits in the first year)
4. Diaper costs for one year
5. Food costs for one year (formula, baby food - fruit, vegetables, cereal)
6. Cost of furnishing a nursery 
7. Child care costs for 9 months so the mother can return to school
8. Essential items such as stroller, car seat, outlet covers, high chair, etc. (Students can visit store or do searches online for prices)
9. Infant and toddler clothing costs for the year
10. Miscellaneous items that are needed

Resources

1. http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/pregnancy/planning-pregnancy/financial-planning/cost-prenatal-care-delivery 
2. http://www.akrongeneral.org/portal/page?_pageid=153,10350398&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
3. http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php
4. http://www.pregnancy-info.net/raising_child_cost.html
5. http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-real-cost-of-raising-a-baby_1744454.bc
6. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/resource-center/the-cost-of-raising-a-baby-605/overview/index.htm
7. http://www.surebaby.com/costs.php
8. http://pregnancy.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Cost_of_Having_a_Baby
9. http://www.ask.com/
10. http://www.google.com/

Evaluation

This project will be worth 100 points. Grading will be as follows:

Research (25pts.)
· answers all questions - 10 pts
· demonstrates three additional facts - 5 pts
· printed out three well-written articles - 10 pts

Content (25pt.)
· information is accurate and current - 10 pts
· facts are clearly presented - 15 pts

Organization (25pts.)
· easy to read lay-out - 15 pts
· logical sequence of information - 10 pts

Creativity (25pts.)
. eye-grabbing graphics - 5 pts
· colorful - 5 pts
· neat work - 5
· appeals to target audience (teens) - 5 pts
. easy to follow - 5 pts