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Understanding Addiction: The Brain and Body

Lesson Plan

Understanding Addiction: The Brain and Body

Learn how drugs affect the brain and body

This lesson introduces students to the science behind addiction, focusing on how drugs affect the brain and body. Through a simple experiment and guided discussion, students will gain a foundational understanding of addiction's impact. This lesson is important as it helps students develop awareness and critical thinking about substance use and its effects, promoting informed decision-making and healthy lifestyle choices.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Learn how drugs affect the brain and body

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Experiment materials (e.g., water, food coloring, cups), Discussion questions, Worksheet: Effects of Drugs on the Brain and Body, Quiz: Understanding Addiction, and Video: Addiction & the Brain - For Kids!

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about addiction.
  • Explain the objective: understanding how drugs affect the brain and body.
  • Introduce key terms: addiction, brain, body, drugs.
  • Show the video Addiction & the Brain - For Kids! to provide a visual understanding of the topic.

Step 2

Experiment: Visualizing Drug Effects

20 mins

  • Conduct a simple experiment using water and food coloring to demonstrate how substances can change the state of a liquid, similar to how drugs affect the brain.
  • Discuss observations and relate them to how drugs can alter brain function.

Step 3

Guided Discussion

15 mins

  • Use prepared discussion questions to explore students' thoughts on addiction and its effects.
  • Encourage students to think critically and share their ideas.

Step 4

Worksheet Activity

10 mins

  • Distribute the worksheet on the effects of drugs on the brain and body.
  • Allow students to work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet.

Step 5

Closure and Quiz

5 mins

  • Summarize key points from the lesson.
  • Administer a short quiz to assess understanding of addiction and its effects.
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Discussion

Addiction Effects Discussion

A guided discussion to explore students' understanding of addiction and its effects on the brain and body.

What do you think addiction means?

Encourage students to share their thoughts and provide examples.







How do you think drugs affect the brain?

Discuss the concept of altering brain function and behavior.







Why is it important to understand addiction?

Highlight the importance of awareness and informed decision-making.







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Worksheet

Effects of Drugs on the Brain and Body

This worksheet helps students identify and understand the effects of drugs on the brain and body.

List two ways drugs can affect the brain.








Describe how addiction can change a person's behavior.








Why is it important to avoid drugs?








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Quiz

Understanding Addiction Quiz

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Answer Key

Understanding Addiction Answer Key

The answer key provides correct answers and explanations for the quiz on addiction.

What is addiction?

A condition where the body needs a drug
Addiction is a condition where the body becomes dependent on a substance.

How do drugs affect the brain?

They can change how the brain works
Drugs can alter brain function, affecting mood, behavior, and cognition.

Why should we learn about addiction?

To make informed choices
Understanding addiction helps in making informed and healthy choices.

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