Mental Circus

A series of activities help middle- and high-schoolers identify and explore gender stereotypes and how they can lead to violence and abuse. Use think-pair-share to activate whole class brainstorming about what it means to "be a man" and...

What happens to your body when you use drugs? What do you do if your friend wants you to start using? Learn about the signs of addiction and the ways to withstand peer pressure with two classroom activities. After storyboarding the...

During a series of four activities, class members examine and deconstruct advertising that features famous athletes. They determine target audiences, analyze ads, explore "emotional climate," and role play a meeting between a sports...

How does locally grown produce sold at a farmer's market compare to a more complex industrial system in the way they each affect the environment, people, and the economy? Pupils explore the different types of food systems and how they...

What you tell yourself about an event can have a profound effect on what you actually do about it. Encourage learners to examine their thoughts, and how these thoughts eventually translate into feelings and actions, with a...

Students examine what makes them happy. In this self-esteem lesson, students work together to create a flip chart about what they think happiness is and discuss their reactions to the list. They create a name tag about who they are and...

The class listens to and reads lyrics from popular songs that explore themes of self-esteem, body image, and eating disorders. The song interpretations will serve as a jumping-off point to deeper discussion on the issues, culminating in...

Students read information about tobacco and describe the problems associated with smoking. They work in groups to create a presentation to discourage teenagers from smoking. They present their songs to the class and digitally record...

Middle schoolers view a video that presents the musical career of vocalist Josh Groban and pay special attention to his performance anxiety and how he has dealt with these fears. They identify ways in which they can combat other types of...

Seventh graders investigate overeating and personal health by researching obesity facts. For this healthy eating lesson, 7th graders research the Internet for facts about youth obesity and the causes of ailments such as diabetes....