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MODULE THREE
ECSTASY AND THE DEVELOPING BRAIN
Years 7 & 8 Band, Health & Physical Education
FOCUS AREA:
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Alcohol & Other Drugs
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Food & Nutrition
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Mental Health & Wellbeing
LESSON PLAN:
Ecstasy and the developing brain - 45 minutes
TOPICS:
1. Facts about ecstasy and the developing brain
2. How ecstasy use affects the developing brain
Close - Portfolio/homework allocated
SUGGESTED SESSION TIME ALLOCATIONS:
15 minutes
25 minutes
5 minutes
NOTE ON FLEXIBILITY:
Teachers may prefer to allocate 2 or more 45 minute sessions to this module, to allow students more time to respond online and re-watch videos. This would be particularly relevant, if additional, longer-term projects were determined as useful to consolidate and share knowledge and findings in the wider community.
ECSTASY AND THE
DEVELOPING BRAIN
Introductory Notes:
It is important for teachers & facilitators to understand that social and emotional learning fosters the ability to make positive choices about how we behave. As teens, students need to build up the ‘tool kit’ of life skills to strengthen their decision-making skills.
These include:
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self-awareness
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self-concept
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social awareness
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social management
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critical thinking
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problem solving
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reflecting & analysing
These can be incorporated through the segment via online group discussion. Additionally, when face to face group opportunities present themselves use may be made in pedagogy such as role-play, debating, presentations at assemblies, and local community groups. Teachers will also know that our experiences and actions affect the way our brains develop and positive role models and interactions from family members and others such as club leaders, coaches, teachers, friends and social groups.
Quality feedback, reactions and experiential learning add to the teen’s ‘tool kit’ by helping them to learn:
• Strategies for relating and interacting with others
• Assertive behaviour skill
• How to establish and manage changing relationships – offline and online
• General health and wellbeing activities
• What impact Social / emotional health has on general well being
• Observe real resilience skills in action that support resilient behaviour
• See how others demonstrate coping skills and help seeking strategies
Topic 1 - Facts about ecstasy and the brain
ONLINE CLASSROOM TASK
Read though notes and answer questions
MDMA, short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is most commonly known as Ecstasy or Molly.
It is a laboratory-made drug that produces a 'high' similar to the stimulants called amphetamines. It also produces psychedelic effects, similar to the hallucinogens mescaline and LSD, MDMA first became popular in the night club scene, at 'raves' (all night dance parties), and music festivals or concerts. Is it now used by a broader range of people. The drug's effects generally last from 3 to 6 hours. It has no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse.
MDMA increases the activity of three brain chemicals:
Dopamine - produces increased energy / activity and acts in the reward system to reinforce behaviours.
Norepinephrine - increases heart rate and blood pressure, which are particularly risky for people with heart and blood vessel problems.
Serotonin - affects mood, appetite, sleep and other functions. It also triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust. The release of large amounts of serotonin likely causes the emotional closeness, elevated mood and empathy felt by those who use MDMA.
Other health effects include: nausea, muscle cramping, involuntary teeth clenching, blurred vision, chills and sweating.
Truth about drugs - Ecstasy
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
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What technical name is given to ecstasy?
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Ecstasy is a stimulant. What does that mean?
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Name 1 brain chemical that is affected by ecstasy and how does it affect it?
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What are two other health effects of ecstasy use?
Topic 2 - How ecstasy use affects the developing brain
ONLINE CLASSROOM TASK
Watch at least one of the videos below and look for 5 facts about how ecstasy impacts on the developing teen brain. Students can add these to their e-portfolio for this module.
MDMA - Respect your brain
What ecstasy does to your brain & body
Ecstasy & serotonin
Teachers / Facilitators click here for more
AND/OR
EVERY PILL COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM & BRAIN SCARRING
PORTFOLIO / HOME STUDY
'We are the programmers of our own brains'
Students review one of the videos in this module and record their findings in their E-Portfolio. Their findings should include at least two main learnings about the short term impact of ecstasy on the brain and at least two main facts about the serious risks of using even one ecstasy pill.
Students can research Anna's story on the effect of ecstasy use.
Anna's Story
Students may also continue to suggest ways to use health practices, behaviours and resources to enhance health, safety and wellbeing of their communities. For example, add to a poster display in a nominated public place such as a shopping centre or at school assemblies. The poster could be hard copy or electronic in presentation. This could be done in groups and connect to other classes ie. Art, IT etc.
Links to the Australian Curriculum
KEY LEARNING AREAS:
Health and Physical Education
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ACPPS073 - Investigate & select strategies to promote health, safety & wellbeing
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ACPPS076 - Evaluate health information & communicate their own & others' health concerns
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ACPPS077 - Plan & use health practices, behaviours & resources to enhance health, safety & well being of their communities
Want to get involved?
REACH OUT
If you are interested in participating at any level, or want more information, please contact Jo Baxter at Drug Free Australia