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Tearoff
Volume 11, Number 3
May/June 1996 |
New Resources from NIDA's Science Education Program
NIDA's Science Education Program funds projects to interest children in pursuing careers in science and to increase science knowledge about drug abuse and addiction among the general public. The Program also presents scientific topics in ways that encourage children and adults to make good choices about drug use and other health matters.
"Changing Your Mind: Drugs in the Brain" CD-ROM
This interactive CD-ROM program was developed to teach high school science classes and other groups about drug abuse. "Changing Your Mind: Drugs in the Brain" uses movies, animation, and sound to present complex neurobiological concepts in a simplified form. The CD-ROM is designed so that a computer user can select options that include profiles of drug users, dramatizations of how each drug of abuse works, and explanations of drug abuse risk factors, addiction, and recovery. The CD-ROM was designed for use in an exhibit supported in part by the NIDA Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award program at the Museum of Science in Boston. For ordering information, send a fax with your name and address to Dr. Bertha Madras at (508) 624-8190.
Low Literacy Science Program for Adults
The Brain Book and Brain and Behavior are science books developed for a low literacy drug education program for adults.
The Brain Bookdescribes how the brain works and how aging affects the brain and discusses brain injuries, tumors, strokes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and migraines. Brain and Behavior explains how the brain manages the way we act and how mental disorders and substance abuse affect the brain and behavior. The two soft-cover books, each 60 pages, are illustrated with full-color graphics.
The program also includes a training manual, workshop kits, and a resource directory. Materials are produced by the Science + Literacy for Health project of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, supported by NIDA's Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award program. For more information, or to order copies, contact AAAS at 1333 H St., NW, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 326-6670.
Slide Packet for Scientists to Teach the Neurobiology of Addiction to High School Students
This teaching packet includes 25 slides with a narrative to assist scientists speaking to high school students about the neurobiology of addiction. The teaching packet informs students how cocaine, opiates, and marijuana work in the brain. A limited number of copies are available free through NIDA's Office of Science Policy and Communications at (301) 443-6071. After these copies are depleted, copies may be obtained at cost from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, (800) 729-6686.
"What's On Your Mind" Radio Program
"What's on Your Mind" is a series from South Carolina Educational Radio that presents national experts exploring topics related to the brain and behavior. Listeners may call in with comments or questions for the experts. Each episode includes a segment on substance abuse.
"What's on Your Mind" is currently being broadcast on Public Broadcasting System stations in the Southeast and is scheduled to have its national debut in July. At that time, PBS stations across the country can begin broadcasting the program. Local PBS stations can be contacted to determine availability in a particular listening area. The series is funded through a NIDA Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award.
World Wide Web Site for Linking Neuroscientists With
Elementary School Children
The Brain Exchange Electronic Mentorship Network (BEEMNET) uses the World Wide Web to link elementary school children and their teachers with research neuroscientists. This linkage facilitates the development of mentorships among students, teachers, and neuroscientists. Developed through a NIDA Small Business Innovative Research Grant with Dr. Deborah Colbern, BEEMNET is currently being used by elementary school students and teachers across the United States. Neuroscientists interested in participating in BEEMNET can fill out the form located at the Web site
http://www.beemnet.com/.
Drug Abuse Brochures and Posters for Middle School Classes
Six colorful brochures that describe the brain's response to various drugs of abuse - marijuana, stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants, opiates, and steroids - are being developed for middle school classes. The NIDA-developed brochures will unfold so that their backs become appealing 40- by 18-inch posters that children can take home. A teacher's guide is also being prepared. The brochures will be available this fall.
From NIDA NOTES, May/June, 1996
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