Instructional Video

Is Sugar a Drug?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Did you know that sugar stimulates the same areas of the brain as cocaine and heroin? As part of a biology playlist, the thought-provoking video discusses if sugar should be considered a drug. It talks about our need for sugar, our brain's response to it, and the concerns many scientists hold about sugar addiction. 

35 Views 27 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Research the signs of addiction, and debate if sugar should be controlled
  • Show pupils the recommended amount of sugar they should have per day along with the amount of sugar in popular foods and drinks
Classroom Considerations
  • Relies on some prior knowledge of how dopamine works in the brain
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Provides a list of resources that go more in depth on the subject
  • Offers subtitles in Arabic and English for English learners
  • Offers a scientific take on a current issue being discussed
Cons
  • None