Preparation

• Read the Background section of this module for more information about drugs in the news.
• Provide students with the Module 6 magazine Drugs in the News for background knowledge.
• Determine which activities you want the class to complete.
• Arrange for computer lab time or prepare the classroom computer for students’ Internet and CD-ROM use.
• Photocopy and pass out the Drugs in the News Fact Sheet for students to complete during the lecture.
• Prepare transparencies and photocopies for the lesson.

Introduction

Before giving students time to review the magazine, begin with the following activity. Lead a discussion about drugs in the news and other media outlets. Ask students what they’ve read and seen in the media about substance abuse and addiction. Specifically mention the drugs included in this module and see whether students are familiar with these three substances. List students’ responses on the chalkboard.

Reading: Give students adequate time to read the student magazine. Have them pay particular attention to the following sections: Background, Stats and Facts, and Science in the Spotlight.

Discussion: In small groups, have students discuss the information using the following questions. Then, bring the groups together and discuss as a class. Review the effects of the drugs, how the drugs are used, how the drugs act in the brain, and why these drugs appear so often in the media.

Drugs in the News

• Why are these drugs illegal?
• What parts of the brain are affected by steroids? Methamphetamine? Other club drugs?
• What are the risks to an individual who may use these drugs?
• What is the impact of these drugs on communities?
• Why do these drugs appear so often in the media?
• Is the media coverage of drugs balanced? Have students seen both positive and negative information presented when drugs are discussed?
• How does the information they have read in the media compare to the information in the fact sheet