The Human Mind

Title: The Human Mind, Alcohol and the Brain

Author: Sarah White

Grade Level: 10 -12

Subject/Content: Social Studies (Psychology), may also be used in Health or Biology courses

Summary of Lesson: Students will create a diagram showing the effects of alcohol on the brain and then create a lesson plan to teach this information to middle school students.

Focus Question: How does alcohol affect the brain and what causes alcohol addiction?

Databases(s): Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center

Procedures:

Steps/Activities by teacher:

1. Arrange for student access to Gale Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.
2. Have brain diagrams with structures labeled available for students (available in most Psychology textbooks or easily accessed online).
3. Prepare copies of a blank brain outline for each student (accessed easily online).

Steps/Activities by student(s):

1. Use the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center to access the article “Your Brain on Alcohol. (Brain Research on Alcoholism)” by Susan Brink.
2. Read the article. As students read they will use the blank brain outline to create a diagram showing what parts of the brain are affected by alcohol use. Students will add labels and keywords to briefly describe the effects of alcohol on each brain structure.
3. Use the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center to access the article “Alcohol and the Adolescent Brain” by Scott Swartzwelder.
4. As students read this article they will add to their diagram how the effects of alcohol are different for adolescents. Suggest using a different color or font for this new information.
5. Students will work in pairs to create a detailed lesson plan to teach this information about alcohol to middle school students.

Outcome: Students will be made aware of the effects of alcohol and take steps to inform other students.

Related Activities: Contact middle school teachers and make arrangements for students to actually enact their lesson plans.

Standard Date: July 27, 2006

Content Standard(s):

• Examine factors that contribute to and damage one's mental health and analyze issues related to mental health and behavioral disorders in contemporary society.
• Explain and apply ideas and modes of inquiry drawn from behavioral science and social theory in the examination of persistent issues and social problems.
• Participate in activities to strengthen the "common good," based upon careful evaluation of possible options for citizen action.

Performance Indicators:

• At Level 1, the student is able to:
  • Identify the structures of the brain that are affected by alcohol and describe the effects.
• At Level 2, the student is able to:
  • Explain how alcohol changes the brain to create an addiction.
• At Level 3, the student is able to:
  • Use the information to educate and influence the behavior of others.

Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:

• The student will develop skills using a variety of computer resources to increase productivity, support creativity, conduct and evaluate research and improve communications.
• The student will use technology resources to improve problem solving and decision-making skills and apply these skills to real world situations.

ISTE NETS for Students

• Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publication, communication and productivity.
• Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem solving and decision making in content learning.

Information Power; Information Literacy Standards:

• Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.
• Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.
• Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.