The Science of Marijuana: How THC Affects the Brain

• Grade level: 6-8
• Lesson plan includes student article, student worksheet, and critical thinking questions
• Teaches about the different areas of the brain; how the chemicals in marijuana move through the body; and, critical thinking
• Duration: 1 class period
• Standards aligned with: National Science Standards and McREL
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)/Scholastic

Weeding Out the Grass: Brain Power!

• Grade level: 6-8
• Includes 1 step-by-step module, resources for students, parents guide, and online activities
• Goal is to use science to dispel the myth that marijuana is harmless
• Teaches about short- and long-term effects of marijuana and how marijuana can adversely affect the brain
• Duration: 1 class period (with additional activities for subsequent classes and different types of classes)
• Standards aligned with: National Science Education Standards
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Marijuana: Download the Facts

• Grade level: 7-8
• Includes four lessons and worksheets: marijuana facts, consider the source, think it through, and analyzing media messages
• Teaches about effects of marijuana on the body and brain; the difference between a fact and opinion; and, analyze media messages and how that exposure might influence decision making
• Duration: 2+ class periods (for all four lessons)
• Standards aligned with: National Council of Teachers of English and National Science Education Standards
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)/Scholastic

Marijuana Facts: Breaking Down the Buzz

• Grade level: 6-8
• Includes student informational sheet, worksheet, critical thinking questions, writing prompts, vocabulary words, and additional reading selections
• Teaches about how marijuana can affect a young person’s brain and life; the science of addiction; and the risks of drug and tobacco use
• Duration: 1 class period
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards, National Science Education Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and National Council for the Social Studies
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)/Scholastic

Marijuana Facts: Breaking Down the Myths

• Grade level: 6-8
• Includes lesson plan with student informational sheet, worksheet, and critical thinking questions
• Teaches about the risks of marijuana use; communicating scientific facts to peers; and, critical thinking
• Duration: 1 class period
• Standards aligned with: National Science Education Standards and McREL
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)/Scholastic

NIDA: Drug Facts

• Includes link for Marijuana
• Focuses on what marijuana is, its addictive properties, and its effects on the brain and body

• Sources(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Mind Matters: Marijuana Student Booklet

• Grade level: 6-8
• Includes marijuana student booklet
• Focuses on what marijuana is and its addictive properties,
• Sources(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Marijuana Facts for Teens Brochure

• Includes informational packet
• Teaches marijuana facts, risks of marijuana use, answers to common questions, and positive social norm messaging
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)/National Institutes of Health (NIH)