Mind over Matter: The Brain's Response to Drugs. Teacher's Guide. Revision.

This teacher's guide is for the "Mind Over Matter" series, a neuroscience education series designed to encourage students in grades 5-9 to learn about the biological effects of drug abuse on the body and the brain. "Mind Over Matter" includes eight colorful, glossy magazines, each of which is devoted to a specific drug or drug group (stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants, marijuana, opiates, nicotine, methamphetamine, and steroids). Each of the magazines describes the effects of specific drugs or drug types on the anatomy and physiology of the brain and the body. These educational materials also highlight ways in which these drug-induced changes affect both behaviors and emotions. The background information and lesson plans contained in this guide, when used in combination with the magazines in the series, will promote an understanding of the physical reality of drug use, as well as curiosity about neuroscience. The guide presents background information on brain anatomy, nerve cells and neurotransmission, and the effects of drug abuse on the brain. It also suggests a brain anatomy educational activity that can be used throughout the curriculum as well as additional activities for each of the eight drug topics. Appendixes offer resources, a reading list, and reproducibles. (SM)