Interest Groups | iCivics - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step to complete this worksheet about creating your own interest group.

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Step One: Which group do you want to be a part of and represent?

You need to pick one group from the list (or make up your own). The options given are:
- Students
- Potato Farmers
- Schools
- Nutritionists

Let’s say we choose Students. That means our interest group will speak for students — maybe about school lunches, homework, or recess time.

✔ We’ll write: Students

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Step Two: What is your position on the limitation of starchy foods in school lunches?

This means: Do you think it’s good or bad to limit starchy foods (like bread, pasta, potatoes) in school meals?

Since we’re representing students, let’s think like a student. Many students love pizza, sandwiches, fries — those have starch! So limiting them might not be popular.

We can say:
✔ “I think it’s a bad idea” — because students enjoy these foods and they give energy for learning.

*(Note: You could also argue it’s a good idea if you care about health — but since we picked “students,” we’ll go with what most students would feel.)*

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Step Three: What do you want to name your interest group?

Pick a catchy name that shows who you are and what you stand for.

Examples:
- “Students for Tasty Lunches”
- “No More Bland Cafeterias!”
- “Starch Lovers United”

Let’s pick something fun and clear:
✔ “Students for Real Food Choices”

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Step Four: What reasons can you give to support your position? Try to list at least two.

We said limiting starchy foods is a bad idea. Now we need 2 reasons why.

Reason 1: Starchy foods like whole grain bread or sweet potatoes give students energy to focus in class.

Reason 2: If schools take away favorite foods, students might skip lunch or bring unhealthy snacks from home.

✔ Write:
1. Starchy foods help students stay energized and focused during school.
2. Removing popular foods may cause students to eat less or choose worse options.

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Step Five: Inform the public! Create a poster telling people about your interest group’s position on the “Potato Problem.”

You don’t have to draw it here — just describe what your poster would say.

Your poster should include:
- Your group’s name: “Students for Real Food Choices”
- Your message: “Don’t ban starchy foods — they fuel our brains!”
- Maybe add a slogan: “Keep the carbs, keep the smarts!”

✔ Example poster text:
> 🍞🥔 STUDENTS FOR REAL FOOD CHOICES
> Say NO to banning starchy foods in school lunches!
> They give us energy to learn, play, and grow.
> Let students choose what they eat — don’t take away our favorites!

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Step Six: Inform the government! Use this space to tell three things you would tell your elected official about the “Potato Problem.” Try to be convincing!

Imagine talking to a mayor, principal, or school board member. Give 3 strong points.

Point 1: Banning starchy foods doesn’t solve nutrition — it just makes kids unhappy and hungry.

Point 2: Healthy starches (like brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes) are actually good for you — they’re not the enemy.

Point 3: Instead of banning, teach students how to balance their plates — offer choices so everyone wins.

✔ Write:
1. Taking away starchy foods hurts student morale and may lead to skipping meals.
2. Not all starches are unhealthy — many are nutritious and needed for growing bodies.
3. Education and choice work better than bans — let students learn to make smart food decisions.

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Final Answer:

Step One: Students
Step Two: I think it’s a bad idea
Step Three: Students for Real Food Choices
Step Four:
1. Starchy foods help students stay energized and focused during school.
2. Removing popular foods may cause students to eat less or choose worse options.
Step Five (Poster Text):
🍞🥔 STUDENTS FOR REAL FOOD CHOICES
Say NO to banning starchy foods in school lunches!
They give us energy to learn, play, and grow.
Let students choose what they eat — don’t take away our favorites!
Step Six (To Government Official):
1. Taking away starchy foods hurts student morale and may lead to skipping meals.
2. Not all starches are unhealthy — many are nutritious and needed for growing bodies.
3. Education and choice work better than bans — let students learn to make smart food decisions.