Sixth graders listen to a story titled "Thin Ice!" then partake in a whole-class discussion asking and answering questions about what was read. Scholars brainstorm risky behaviors in preparation for a game of RISKO—a game similar to...

When faced with a difficult situation, do you respond selfishly, face it head on, or ignore the problem? This game encourages learners to evaluate the wide range of reactions we can have to problematic situations, and how our responses...

Learners use skills that are directly related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug choices (e.g., refusal skills, decision making, stress reduction skills)

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...

Students research underage drinking and read a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association about the issue. They interview experts on substance abuse and liquor store owners about their policies. Students publish their...

Students review information on drug abuse and types of drugs and then learn about alcohol and other drug abuse in a hands on activity. In addition, they learn about kinds of drugs and the effects of drug abuse on the body.

Students examine water as it changes states.  In water and ice activity students study the water cycle and what happens to it as it changes state. 

Why to young people act the way they do? Scholars investigate the stages of adolescent development incorporating high school psychology techniques. Using research from the American Psychological Association, they uncover the five areas...

Students identify the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. In this drug and alcohol abuse lesson, students research the dangers of drugs and alcohol and prepare a presentation for the information. Students write a paper on their presentation.

Students read a comic about a teen drug overdose that leads to death. In this drug awareness lesson, students role play characters in the story that react to the death of their friend due to drug use in an online forum. Students evaluate...

Students read and discuss an article on the devastating effects of crystal meth on a fetus development in mice. They relate this research to the possible causes of birth defects in babies whose mothers have used meth during pregnancy.

In this current events worksheet, students read an article about cannabis reducing depression and complete eight true or false questions, 10 synonym matching questions, and a cloze activity based on the article.

Students explore illegal use. In this health journalism instructional activity, students read the USA Today article titled "Survey Reveals Teen Use of Ecstasy, Other Illegal Drugs Declined in '02", respond to discussion questions...

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.

In this alcoholism in Russia worksheet, high schoolers read the article, answer true and false questions, complete synonym matching, complete phrase matching, complete a gap fill, answer short answer questions, answer discussion...

Students watch the episode of Investigative Reports examines the losing battle countries worldwide are conducting against the drug trade. Because of the lucrative profits of the drug trade, authorities cannot end the illegal trafficking...

Students evaluate the effectiveness of 'shock tactics' to discourage drug abuse. They view a video about the death of a 21-year-old heroin addict. In small groups they discuss the video and complete comment sheet.

In this alcohol abuse learning exercise, students create a flowchart to show the path that alcohol takes in the body, then write five negative and dangerous things that might happen if someone consumes too much alcohol.

Students examine the effects of drinking on decision making. In this alcohol use lesson plan, students discover how their decision making skills are hindered when drinking. Students discuss how HIV is and is not transmitted and analyze...

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...

Recovery from substance addiction is an ongoing process. The final instructional activity in a series about painkiller abuse and addiction prompts learners to research various recovery options before writing a short story about a...

Almost 600,000 Americans are arrested each year for marijuana possession. Pupils decide if marijuana should be legalized for recreational use after reading state-by-state laws and the top pro and con arguments. The resource also includes...

Sophomores can be sometimes wise and sometimes foolish. The same can be said for their behaviors. After watching a presentation about risk taking behaviors, class members discuss the presentation in small groups, and then complete a...

While there may not be any ghostbusters in the neighborhood, there are plenty of emergency response agencies ready to give support if something is amiss. To that end, instructors invite a member of an emergency response agency to address...