How Drugs Affect the Brain (Module 6)

Introductory Story for Module 6

"I don't know about you, Brain Trust, but my head is spinning," said Brain Wave.

"What do you mean?" replied Brain Trust.

"We've learned so much in such a short period of time. First, we learned about the brain and everything it does. Then we learned about how messages are sent throughout the body. And that's just the beginning!"

"I guess you're right," said Brain Trust. "Then we moved on to find out about medicines, drugs, and nicotine. It has been a lot. No wonder your head is spinning."

"What can we do to make sense of it all?" asked Brain Wave.

"Well, those steps of scientific inquiry could help," suggested Brain Trust. "You know, observe, hypothesize, experiment, and conclude."

"You're right. We could try to figure out what all these different ideas have in common," said Brain Wave.

Just then, they heard the computer dinging, and they saw their trusty friend Corty on the screen. "Couldn't help overhearing your conversation. What do all these ideas have in common? How can we use the steps of scientific inquiry to put all six of the modules together?" Corty said.

Brain Wave and Brain Trust looked at each other. They weren't sure. What do you think? Can you come up with a way to tie all this information together? Talk to your classmates. By figuring out the last problem of the NIDA Junior Scientists Program, you become a member of the club. Good luck, and may the tools of science be with you.