This is the teacher’s guide for the “Mind Matters” series, developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health. “Mind Matters” includes nine engaging printed materials designed to help students in grades 5 – 8 understand the biological effects of drug misuse on the brain and body, along with identifying how these drug-induced changes affect both behaviors and emotions. There is no more important time to address these issues with adolescents than in the middle school years, when they are forming opinions about the health risks of drugs. These educational materials are also easy to print and use.
When used in combination with the printed materials, the background information and lesson plans contained in this guide will help students understand the physical reality of drug use and inspire curiosity about neuroscience. Some activities to reinforce the topics are suggested at the end of the guide. You can also develop some of your own.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
NIDA's mission is to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health.