Scholastic
Health Literacy and Drug Abuse
Young scholars brainstorm about the different health issues facing teens today. In this health science lesson plan, students discuss the danger associated with drug abuse. They recommend ways to stay healthy.
Curated OER
The Brain: What's Going on in There?
Young scholars examine images of human brains that illustrate that specific regions of the brain regulate specific functions. They extend that knowledge to examine how drugs of abuse activate an area of the brain called the reward system.
University of Minnesota
Motor Learning and Memory
What do our brains have to do with reaction timing? Everything! In a hands-on learning activity, young scientists participate in four card activities that measure reaction timing. Each activity gets progressively more complex, and...
Baylor College
Hormones and Stress
As a more personal part of a unit on brain chemistry, your class discusses stressful situations and the body's response to them. They talk about how, while the reactions are initially helpful, some can be harmful to your health. Finally,...
Curated OER
Methamphetamine: A Threatening Scourge on Teens, Families, and Communities
Students examine how methamphetamine alters the brain and the facts about it. In this brain chemical addiction lesson students read articles on methamphetamine and take a quiz.
Curated OER
The Effects of "Recreational" Drugs on the Development of Chick Embryos as a Model for Human Embryogenesis
Students conduct experiments on fertilized chicken embryos to determine the possible developmental effects that various recreational drugs (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and aspirin) might have on them.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What You Need to Know about Marijuana Use and Driving
Research indicates that marijuana can negatively affect coordination and judgment, making it dangerous to drive while under the influence. But does it increase the risk of car crashes? An informative fact sheet describes the ways...
Scholastic
Think it Through
What does the media tell the teenagers about using marijuana? Help class members decipher what they are being told about drug use with a lesson on editorial cartoons, subliminal messages, and critical thinking skills.
Scholastic
Marijuana: Breaking Down the Buzz
Teenagers get the real information about marijuana use based on the history of tobacco legislation and research. As they read an educational passage about marijuana laws, science, and changing attitudes, they address their preconceptions...
Curated OER
Cities Crack Down on Raves
Students explore personal health issues. In this health journalism lesson, students read the USA Today article titled "Cities Crack Down on Raves", respond to discussion questions regarding the article, and complete an activity based on...
Curated OER
Sex Under the Influence
High schoolers examine the effects of drinking on decision making. In this alcohol use lesson, students discover how their decision making skills are hindered when drinking. High schoolers discuss how HIV is and is not transmitted and...
PBS
Stories of Painkiller Addiction: Contemplating Nature vs. Nurture
Does having an addict in your family make it more likely to become one yourself? Explore the genetic risk factors, as well as the prominent environmental influences, for substance addiction in a instructional activity that encourages...
Scholastic
Marijuana: Perception of Harm vs. Use
Many teenagers don't believe that marijuana is harmful, but if they do, it affects whether they use it or not. Analyze the relationship between what high school seniors believe about marijuana and their tendency to use it with a reading...
Curated OER
The Science of Addition
Students examine the science of drug addition. In this health related instructional activity, students take a pre-assessment about drug addiction, then read and discuss an article about how some drugs affect the brain to cause addition....
Curated OER
Survey Reveals Teen Use of Ecstasy, Other Illegal Drugs Declined in '02
Students explore illegal use. In this health journalism lesson, students read the USA Today article titled "Survey Reveals Teen Use of Ecstasy, Other Illegal Drugs Declined in '02", respond to discussion questions regarding the article,...
Curated OER
Cocaine in the Brain
Students examine the effects of cocaine and heroin and withdrawal symptoms. In this drug lesson plan students participate in an activity that illustrates cocaine's actions.
Florida Department of Health
Understanding the Risk of Substance Abuse Unit
Teenage brains are different! Understanding that the teenage brain is still developing and thus more impacted by substance abuse is the key concept in a three-lesson high school health unit. Participants learn about how the brain and...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What Parents Need to Know About Marijuana Use and Teens
The teenage years find adolescents yearning for independence—and often isolating their parents from their everyday lives. Educate parents on the warning signs of marijuana use, including its effects on the brain and the likelihood of...
Curated OER
Intoxication: In the Arms of Morpheus
A comprehensive lesson that takes a look at psychoactive plants with this one focusing on the opium poppy. Information about the history, culture, use, source and effects are discussed. There are weblinks to reliable sources about drugs...
Curated OER
Lesson 3 - Marijuana
It's never too early to talk to your young grade schoolers about the dangers of marijuana. Here's a short instructional activity to discuss some basic information about what happens to the body and the brain when someone smokes...
Scholastic
Marijuana: Breaking Down the Buzz
There are a lot of myths surrounding marijuana. Read a passage that clarifies the dangers of teens smoking marijuana, its harmful effects on the development of the brain, and the possible correlation of cigarette smoking to marijuana...
Curated OER
Parents are unawareof Ecstasy risk:Anti-drug Education
Students read an article on parents unawareness of Ecstasy use. In this current events instructional activity, students infer issues related to teen drug use and parent prevention and engage in a class discussion. Students give a quiz...
Scholastic
Prescription Pain Medication: What You Need to Know
The national epidemic of opioid addiction is making its way into high school populations. Educate the learners in your class about the ways prescription opioids can both block pain and deliver large amounts of dopamine that make it very...
Curated OER
Acting Out
Sixth graders investigate peer pressure, gangs, drinking, and using drugs. In small groups, they conduct research, develop, edit, and write a three-minute script, and perform the script for the class.