Students study about how addiction can have both physiological and behavioral effects. They synthesize their knowledge by creating a sensitivity training session for counselors working with teenagers who are addicted to drugs.

Students share opinions about prescription drugs and prepare public service campaigns to inform peers and adults about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Their ads also offer prevention techniques and possible methods of treatment.

Students consider the impact of genetics on a person's intelligence and appearance. After reading an article, they examine the controversy over using human growth hormones. They debate the approval of using the hormone to increase the...

Students write a proposal with an appropriate budget to establish a health day at school. They design this day to educate and promote good health. They educate other students about health care, inform students of health concerns, and...

Students explore the meaning of quality of life. Also, the need to prioritize means that government spending decisions are political, with winners and losers. Discussion platforms are on the six dimensions to a child's well-being:...

Students watch a commericial on the brain due to substance use. They print their dreams on pieces of construction paper and share them in small groups. As a class, they weave their peces together to make a product representative of their...

Young scholars explore alcohol abuse. In this health journalism lesson, students read the USA Today article titled "The Kids are All Right", respond to discussion questions regarding the article, and complete an activity based on the...

Pupils read an article about a research conducted on teen brain decision making. In this health science lesson, students identify the steps in the scientific method. They discuss how this research can benefit them when faced with...

Students use PowerPoint, Internet research, scanners and desktop publishing to create a multimedia presentation on the dangers of smoking.

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...

Students design advertisements that promote and explain the science of new transdermal drug therapies to the general public.

Fifth graders demonstrate effective use of assertive refusal skills when declining alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. For this assertive refusal lesson plan, 5th graders role play peer pressure situation and write a brief essay on what...

Young scholars explore the controversial 'harm reduction' approach to drug use and debate the various sides to this approach.

Ninth graders examine the relationship between AIDS and teenagers. In groups, they discuss the various issues educators face in introducing the topic to teenagers in school. As a class, they brainstorm a list of the misconceptions they...

Students consider the implications of the misuse of alcohol. In this personal health lesson, students visit selected websites to discover information about the misuse of alcohol and examine advertisements for alcohol.

Students examine how having friends is an important part of growing up, but being in charge of the friendship rather than allowing it to control you is also important.

Pupils are introduced to the safety procedures to follow while boating. After taking a quiz, they complete open-ended questions about boating accidents in Illinois. They discuss as a class how those accidents could have been prevented.

Students navigate websites to discover the reasons not to smoke.  In this smoking lesson plan, students research and answer questions about the bad effects of smoking.

Students explore DNA microarrays. In this genetics lesson, students model DNA microarrays that are used by scientists. Students work to determine levels of breast cancer genes in patients. They will determine the treatment required based...

Students discuss the pros and cons of smoking.  In this smoking lesson, students navigate websites to find information on smoking and then participate in a discussion with specific discussion questions.

Eighth graders research human sexuality by completing a sexual health worksheet. In this HIV lesson, 8th graders define AIDS and list the ways it can be transmitted from human to human. Students assess their own risk and complete study...

Students explore methamphetamine use. In this health journalism lesson, students read the USA Today article titled "Meth Moves East", respond to discussion questions regarding the article, and complete an activity based on the content of...

Students examine the concept of body image. In this current events lesson, students research selected websites for information about fashion models, plastic surgery, and advertising. Students share and discuss their findings.

High schoolers calculate how much of each paycheck is deducted into the Medicare system, explain the need for health insurance and Medicare, and work in small groups to develop their own plan to reform Medicare.