Curated OER
This Is Your Brain on Pot
Students explore the causes and effects of marijuana addiction and research how THC affects different areas of the brain. They synthesize their knowledge by creating print advertisements that inform teenagers about the physiologic danger...
University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
Scholastic
Real Questions, Real Answers About Drugs
Students brainstorm about questions they have about drugs. For this health science lesson, students research about frequently asked questions on drugs and addiction. They explain why it is important to get accurate information.
Curated OER
The Brain: What's Going on in There?
Students 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.
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...
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 young scholars in your class about the ways prescription opioids can both block pain and deliver large amounts of dopamine that make it...
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.
Curated OER
On Ice
Ninth graders research the effects of methamphetamines on the human body. They create a poster showing their campaign to prevent its use.
Steered Straight
Marijuana Awareness
February is Marijuana Awareness Month, and a set of interdisciplinary activities can make your class aware of the social, medical, legal, and psychological effects of marijuana. With writing prompts, research opportunities, and...
Curated OER
Teen and Decision Making
Students examine how the brain develops. In this neurology lesson plan students read an article citing evidence that the different areas of the brain mature at different rates. They discuss emotional versus logical aspects of...
Curated OER
Treatment Works!
Students consider the goals of a treatment plan for persons who have had the way they think, feel, or behave changed because of mental illness. PET images are utilized to support the evidence of changes in the activity and functioning of...
Curated OER
Under the Influence
Students examine the effects of teen drinking. In this personal health lesson plan, students research alcohol's effect on the teen brain. Students discuss their findings about the alcohol-brain connection and create brain maps.
Curated OER
Constant Craving
Students experience the effect of sensory stimulation through a guided visualization. They explore possible genetic relationships between drug addiction and the nervous system by reading and discussing, "Genetic Studies Promise a Path to...
Curated OER
Headaches
Students create a commercial for a headache remedy. In this health and advertising lesson plan, students review a video describing several types of headaches and treatments for each. They will create a commercial addressing one of the...
Curated OER
Touch the Past: Archaeology of the Upper Mississippi River Region
High schoolers examine the archeology of the Mississippi River Valley. Using the internet, they expand their research to include how the Native Americans in California used plants to meet their needs. They also research a Native...
Curated OER
Inside Story: Your Body, Your Health
Young scholars research about different genetic disorders. In this biology lesson, students create a poster highlighting facts about the disorder. They present their findings in class.