Drugs and Your Brain

Today, adolescents are offered health classes in middle schools that go beyond traditional concepts of anatomy and physiology to probe into brain functions and the effects of drugs on cognit... See More

Today, adolescents are offered health classes in middle schools that go beyond traditional concepts of anatomy and physiology to probe into brain functions and the effects of drugs on cognition and brain activity. This chapter urges students to think about the various psychological and social implications of drug usage. Readings are given and activities are prescribed; however, a teacher must examine the reading level prior to assigning the chapter materials to students; reading levels and cognitive skills must be considered and perhaps cultural connections, too. Also, the suggested activities are meant to model the 5E approach, but everything presented mirrors passive activities and the exercises are fill in the blank for reading comprehension, at least in this reader’s estimation. I think the chapter better serves as a resource for the teacher who should take the material and enliven it. A more exciting case study could be constructed and the students should be more involved in gathering information on brain function and the effects of drugs. The web is not a panacea but it may offer venues that are more stimulating to students learning in a more interactive manner. The material presented in this chapter seems to be more passive and perhaps not as conducive to holding the interest of an adolescent with its fairly traditional offerings.