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Outline
This module focuses on drug use and the impact of various drugs on individuals, friends and families. A hard hitting video titled “The Web of Addiction” is used, telling real life stories, from New Zealander’s about their experiences in the drug world. A co-operative, classification activity about illegal drugs is followed by a lesson about alcohol. Throughout this module links are made to the development of young adults physically, mentally and emotionally, puberty is explored as well as the development of the human brain and the effects of drug
Key messages:
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Drug use has an impact on the user themselves and other people around them
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We need to be kind to others particularly as we cope with our changing bodies and feelings
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We are better able to make decisions for ourselves when we have reliable information
Focus
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There are a variety of drugs that can be loosely categorised as either uppers (stimulants), downers (depressants) or all-arounders (hallucinogens) depending on the effect on the brain
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Addiction affects a person in a variety of ways... emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually
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The process of addiction and the changes that are caused in the human brain
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We are learning to…
1. understand the importance and function of the brain
Successful Learning will look like… children explaining and demonstrating some functions of the brain i.e. looking at the synapse and neurotransmitters
2. understand how some drugs change the function of the brain and normal chemical balance
Successful Learning will look like… children explaining words such as mimic, block, inhibit
3. improve our drug knowledge and the impact of drugs on our lives
Successful Learning will look like… children sorting out drug names into categories and identifying varied aspects of life that can be affected through drug use
4. understand the process of puberty, appreciate the delicate nature of the human body at this time and reinforce the need for kindness
Successful Learning will look like… children relating information regarding pubertal change in discussion
5. understand the physical limits of the teenage body in relation to alcohol
Successful Learning will look like… children stating difference between teenage use and adult use of alcohol in relation to the impact on the human body
The learning module delivered might look like this:
Part A
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We review the introductory video featuring Trevor Grice.
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Explore brain function – particularly the stuff that happens in the synapse.
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Explore the focus words for this and the next session:
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Merry-go-round, addiction, cocktails, peer pressure, detox-centre, experimentation.
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Web of Addiction video – guided viewing with questioning related to focus terms.
Part B
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Web of Addiction video continued – guided viewing with questioning related to focus terms.
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Drug Sort – students sort out street names and pictures of a variety of drugs in order to discuss a wider variety of substances and the effects on the growing body as well as ensure that correct information is being shared.
Part C
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Alcohol focus session.
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Looking at the effect of binge drinking.
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Watching video called Always Getting Wasted.
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Exploring consequences of alcohol over use and relating to brain function material covered earlier
For 'From the Shadows' teaching resources click here.
