Content Area: Health and Physical Education

 

Index: 2.3B Grade 8 CPI 4

 

Standard: 2.3 - Drugs & Medicine

 

Strand: B - Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator:  4 - The student will analyze how the use and abuse of alcohol impacts thinking, reaction time, and behavior.

 

Grade: 8

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        REACTION TIME - Introduce the term reaction time. Brainstorm possible definitions and write them on the board. Using the student ideas, develop an appropriate definition. Explain why it is important to have a quick reaction time, and ask students to name some activities that require quick reactions. Organize the class into pairs or small groups. One student in each group holds a yardstick between two fingers, releases it, and then quickly catches it. The student dips his/her fingers in very cold water, hot water, oil, or glycerin and repeats the release and grasp of the yardstick. Group members observe and record the reaction times of the activities. Compare the reaction times and allow other group members to participate in the activity. Each group discusses the observations and reports back to the entire class. Students complete the activity by writing a brief summary of the events and results, connecting the information to activities they enjoy (such as hitting a tennis ball, catching a baseball  or riding a bike).

Variation: Students research and predict the effects of specific substances on one’s reaction time.

 

·       SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND CRIME -  Students gather and analyze statistical data on DUI arrests, car crashes related to substance use, and juvenile arrests. Students compare the data over a 5 to 10 year period and draw conclusions. Next, have students compare data from other towns, counties, or states. Students respond, in writing, to the following question: “What can be done to decrease the number of these incidents?” Students share information and responses.