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Brain Science and Substance Abuse

Lesson Plan

Brain Science and Substance Abuse

Understand how substance abuse affects the brain

Students will learn about the brain's role in substance addiction using a kid-friendly video. They'll create a brain model to identify affected brain parts and engage in a discussion to reinforce learning.

Audience

7th graders

Time

1 Hour

Approach

Understand how substance abuse affects the brain

Materials

Addiction & the Brain - For Kids!, Brain Model Materials, Worksheets, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Introduce the topic of substance abuse and its impact on the brain. Explain that students will watch a video about how addiction affects the brain.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Watch the video 'Addiction & the Brain - For Kids!' Video Link

Step 3

Brain Model Activity

25 mins

Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with materials to create a model of the brain. Instruct them to label the limbic system and prefrontal cortex and note how substance abuse affects these areas.

Step 4

Discussion

15 mins

Bring the class back together and use the discussion questions to talk about what they learned from the video and the activity. Encourage students to share their thoughts and ask questions.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson. Emphasize the importance of understanding how substance abuse affects the brain.

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Worksheet

Worksheet

Handout for students to label parts of the brain and note how each part is affected by substance abuse.


Brain Parts Labeling Worksheet

  1. Limbic System:

    • Role in survival behaviors
    • Affected by addiction: Releases dopamine which creates feelings of pleasure.

  2. Prefrontal Cortex:

    • Role in decision making
    • Affected by addiction: Less ability to resist temptations and control impulses.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to guide classroom discussion after the video and activity.

  • What are the two main parts of the brain affected by drug use?
  • How does the limbic system contribute to addiction?
  • What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in addiction?
  • How can understanding the brain help us prevent substance abuse?
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Worksheet

Lesson Survey

Exit ticket survey for students to evaluate the impact of the lesson.


1. This lesson increased my understanding of how substance abuse affects the brain.

  • No
  • Yes
  1. I now feel more confident in identifying the parts of the brain affected by addiction.
    • No
    • Yes
  2. I would recommend this lesson to other students.
    • No
    • Yes
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Brain Science and Substance Abuse • Lenny Learning