Scholastic
The Science of Marijuana—How THC Affects the Brain
Marijuana can affect every part of a user's life—starting with the delicate nervous centers of the brain. An informative article and worksheet prompt teenagers to learn more about how the THC found in most forms of marijuana can...
Scholastic
Marijuana Facts
Can marijuana really hurt you? Three medical facts and three discussion questions prompt teenagers to consider the ramifications of using marijuana recreationally.
Scholastic
Marijuana: Breaking Down the Buzz
Teenagers get the real information about marijuana use based on the history of tobacco legislation and research. As they read an educational passage about marijuana laws, science, and changing attitudes, they address their preconceptions...
US National Library of Medicine
Drug Use and Abuse: Past and Present
Pick your poison: tobacco, alcohol, opiates, cocaine, or marijuana. An online exhibition launches a research project that asks groups to select one of the five drugs and gather information on how the use of the drug and the regulations...
Curated OER
Statistical Drug Abuse and Adolescents in the U.S.A.
Students examine statistics of teenagers using alcohol and marijuana. In groups, they brainstorm the reasons why they believe usage is higher than in years past. As a class, they role-play different roles in scenerios to help them...
PBS
Stories of Painkiller Addiction: Myth or Fact
Are opioids the most abused drug after marijuana? How hard is it for young people to obtain painkillers without a prescription? Middle and high schoolers explore the growing epidemic of opioid addiction with a lesson that prompts them to...
Curated OER
Marijuana: Help Someone Kick the Habit
Students define substance abuse, assess how they and their friends have been affected by marijuana, evaluate how pot users are hurting themselves, and explore how teens can stay away from or stop smoking pot.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
The Brain's Response to Drugs
Marijuana affects the brain differently than inhalants, which have a different effect than opioids. Elementary and middle school classes read about these drugs as well as nicotine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, and steroids before...
Curated OER
The Dangers of Marijuana
In this marijuana word search, young scholars find words warning of the dangers of smoking marijuana. They explore terms such as hallucinations, inhibitions, paranoia and other negative aspects of the drug. There are approximately 33...
PBS
Stories of Painkiller Addiction: The Cycle of Addiction
Drug addiction, including prescription drug addiction, begins with a reason that's different for every user. High schoolers learn more about the reasons people begin abusing drugs with a set of videos and worksheets that discuss four...
Scholastic
Consider the Source
Who is more trustworthy when it comes to marijuana: a high school student, or The National Institute on Drug Abuse? Sources matter when reading informational text. Help teenagers discern which facts are true with an activity that focuses...
Scholastic
Analyzing Media Messages
Telling young people to just say no can be difficult in a world that inundates them with messages to just say yes. A lesson on media messages encourages teenagers to analyze song lyrics and advertisements that mention drugs and/or...
Scholastic
Think it Through
What does the media tell the teenagers about using marijuana? Help class members decipher what they are being told about drug use with a lesson on editorial cartoons, subliminal messages, and critical thinking skills.
Curated OER
Medical Marijuana - Legitimate Use Or Legalized Abuse?
High schoolers, in groups, discuss opinions about medical marijuana use. They form their own opinion about the U.S Supreme Court case involving this issue.
Curated OER
This Is Your Brain on Pot
Students explore the causes and effects of marijuana addiction and research how THC affects different areas of the brain. They synthesize their knowledge by creating print advertisements that inform teenagers about the physiologic danger...
Curated OER
Substance Abuse
Students describe the effects of drugs on the human body, both short-and long-term consequences. They create personal approaches to substance abuse control and prevention. Students demonstrate effective practices in working within...
Curated OER
Facts into Action
Students role play chosen scenario about smart decision making. In this drug awareness lesson, students discuss the danger associated with drug abuse. They practice how to make careful choices when faced with a difficult situation.
Curated OER
Three Factors Threaten Teens
Students explore alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. In this health journalism instructional activity, students read the USA Today article titled "Three Factors Threaten Teens", respond to discussion questions regarding the article,...
Curated OER
Identifying an Author's Purpose
Students read, "Research Shows TV PSAs Effective In Reducing Teen Marijuana Use", discuss the article with questions imbedded in the instructional activity and write their own PSA.
Curated OER
Acting Out
Sixth graders investigate peer pressure, gangs, drinking, and using drugs. In small groups, they conduct research, develop, edit, and write a three-minute script, and perform the script for the class.
Curated OER
Boomers Assess High School
Students examine drug and alcohol abuse by American teens. In this health journalism instructional activity, students read the USA Today article titled "Boomers Assess High School", respond to discussion questions regarding the article,...
Curated OER
Making Good Decisions: Drug and Alcohol Reports
Students identify the effects and consequences of using and abusing alcohol and drugs. In this drug education lesson, students watch a video about underage drinking. Students research an assigned drug and compose a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Avoid Destructive Behaviors
Students describe strategies to avoid destructive behaviors. They discuss drug tests at work, the costs of drug use to employers and the types of behaviors that put individuals at risk.
Curated OER
Cities Crack Down on Raves
Pupils explore personal health issues. In this health journalism lesson, students read the USA Today article titled "Cities Crack Down on Raves", respond to discussion questions regarding the article, and complete an activity based on...