Alcohol Awareness: Brain Impact

Joshua Reed

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Alcohol Awareness: Brain Impact

Understand alcohol's impact on the brain

This lesson aims to educate 9th-grade students about the dangers of alcohol and the negative effects of binge drinking, particularly on the brain. Through active and collaborative learning strategies, students will engage in discussions, watch a relevant video, and participate in an experiential activity to deepen their understanding. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students with knowledge to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption, promoting healthier lifestyle choices.

Audience

9th grade, 25 students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Experiential Learning

Materials

Discussion Guide, Activity Instructions, Exit Ticket, and Video: How Do Drugs Affect the Brain? (https://concord-carlisle.lennylearning.org/view/how-do-drugs-affect-the-brain)

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction about the topic of alcohol and its effects on the brain.
Share key facts about alcohol use among teenagers, such as the prevalence of underage drinking and its potential risks.
Explain the objectives of the lesson and what students will learn.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Show the video How Do Drugs Affect the Brain?.
Ask students to note down any surprising facts or questions they have during the video.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

Use the Discussion Guide to facilitate a conversation about the video and students' thoughts on alcohol's impact on the brain.
Encourage students to share their notes and questions from the video.

Step 4

Experiential Activity

15 mins

Conduct an activity where students simulate the effects of alcohol on the brain using goggles or other tools that mimic impairment.
Use the Activity Instructions to guide the students through the simulation and reflection.

Step 5

Collaborative Learning

5 mins

Have students work in small groups to discuss strategies for avoiding peer pressure related to alcohol consumption.
Encourage them to come up with a group pledge or action plan.

Step 6

Closure and Exit Ticket

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Distribute the Exit Ticket for students to complete, reflecting on what they learned and any remaining questions.

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Discussion

Discussion Guide: Alcohol and Brain Impact

Guide to facilitate a discussion on the effects of alcohol on the brain, based on the video and students' observations.

What surprised you the most about how alcohol affects the brain?

Encourage students to think about specific details from the video and relate them to their own knowledge.

Why do you think binge drinking is particularly harmful to teenagers?

Discuss the developmental stage of the teenage brain and how alcohol can interfere with growth.

What are some ways to resist peer pressure to drink alcohol?

Explore practical strategies and personal experiences that students can share.

Worksheet

Activity Instructions: Alcohol Simulation

Instructions for an experiential activity simulating the effects of alcohol on the brain using impairment goggles or similar tools.

Describe how your perception and coordination changed during the simulation.

Think about specific tasks you found difficult.

How does this simulation relate to real-life situations involving alcohol?

Consider the impact on decision-making and safety.

Quiz

Exit Ticket: Alcohol Awareness