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NIDA Home > NIDA Goes to School > Brain Power! Grades 6-9 > Module 4 > Preparation/Introduction    

Brain Power! Challenge: Grades 6-9

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Module 4 Guide
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Module 4 Magazine
[PDF 6.9 MB]

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Module 4
Weeding Out the Grass

Preparation

  • Read the Background section of this module for more information about the effects of marijuana on the brain and body.
  • Provide students with the Module 4 magazine Weeding Out the Grass for background knowledge.
  • Determine which activities you want the class to complete.
  • Photocopy and pass out the Marijuana Fact Sheet for students to complete during the lecture.
  • Arrange for computer lab time or prepare the classroom computer for students’ Internet and CD-ROM use.
  • Pass out copies of the Marijuana Survey a few days ahead of time. Give each student 2 - 3 copies and instruct them to have some friends fill them out anonymously. Tell them not to look at the papers in respect of their friends’ privacy. Collect the surveys prior to the class period you plan to teach this lesson and tally up the responses.

Introduction

Time:

15 - 20 minutes

Handouts:

Module 4 magazine

Begin by announcing the results of the survey, and see if the class is surprised. Tell them they are going to learn more about the drug in today’s class.

Reading: Give students adequate time to read the student magazine. Have students pay particular attention to the following sections: Background, Stats and Facts, and Science in the Spotlight.

Discussion: After students have read the magazine, facilitate a discussion about marijuana using the following questions.

Marijuana:
  • What is marijuana? Where does it come from?
  • What effects does marijuana have on a person?
  • How does marijuana affect neurotransmission?
  • Can an individual become addicted to marijuana?

At the end of the discussion, ask the class whether they feel their friends have an accurate view of marijuana. Help them understand how common opinions can contradict science.



Brain power! Challenge - Grades 6-9

Module 1 Module 2
Module 3 Module 4
Module 5 Module 6
CD-ROM Activities


Contact Information

For questions regarding NIDA's Science Education Program and Materials, contact Cathrine Sasek, Ph.D., e-mail: csasek@nih.gov.



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