Introduction
A drug is any chemical taken into the body that alters normal body processes. There are many reasons to take a "drug." Some of them are good, some of them bad, and some of them can be down right ugly!

Task
Task 1: Understand the effects of drugs on the body
Task 2: Understand the effects of drugs on the brain
Task 3: Research one drug of your choice
Process
Task 1: Answer the following questions (independently) in a google document about the effects of drugs on the body. Use the following website(s) to research your answers:
https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/about-gateway-foundation/faqs/effects-of-drug-abuse/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/How-drugs-affect-your-body
1. List at least 5 side effects that drugs have on the body.
2. What is the most severe health consequence of drug use?
3. List 3 ways that drug can enter your body.
Task 2: Answer the following questions (independently) in a google document about the effects of drugs on the body. Use the following website to research your answers:
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
1. List the 3 main parts of the brain that are affected by drug use
2. Explain how drugs can produce the feeling of "pleasure"
3. List the short-term and long-term affects of drug use
Task 3: In a small group (2-3 students), choose one common drug that you would like to learn more about. At the conclusion of your online research, you will have created an informative and creative Google Slide presentation that will help educate your peers about the drug that you chose.
You will need to dig into the given resources to learn more about the drug, what is affects, ways to use the drug, type of drug, etc.
Step 1️⃣: Decide which drug you would like to research.
Step 2️⃣: Decide which questions each group member will research.
Step 3️⃣: Compile information on a shared Google document.
Step 4️⃣: Collaborate with your group to design your Google Slideshow.
Step 5️⃣: Present your drug slideshow to your peers.
Questions that should be answered in your presentation:
What is it?
What is the category of drug?
What are the common street/slang names?
What does it look like?
How is it used?
What are the common side effects?
What are the symptoms of overdose?
Is this drug addictive?
What are the withdrawal symptoms?
What are the short-term effects?
What are the long-term effects?
What is the federal classification?
List at least 5 myths and 5 facts about the drug.
Evaluation
Web Quest Rubric
Tasks 1 – 3
|
Task |
Points Possible |
Points Earned |
|
Task 1: Understand the effects of drugs on the body All items correctly and completely answered
1. List at least 5 side effects that drugs have on the body (5 points) 2. What is the most severe health consequence of drug use (5 points) 3. List 3 ways that drug can enter your body (5 points) |
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Task 2: Understand the effects of drugs on the brain All items correctly and completely answered 1. List the 3 main parts of the brain that are affected by drug use (5 points) 2. Explain how drugs can produce the feeling of "pleasure" (5 points) 3. List the short-term and long-term affects of drug use (5 points) |
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Task 3: Research one drug of your choice (in small groups) All items correctly and completely answered What is it? What is the category of drug? What are the common street/slang names? What does it look like? How is it used? What are the common side effects? What are the symptoms of overdose? Is this drug addictive? What are the withdrawal symptoms? What are the short-term effects? What are the long-term effects? What is the federal classification? List at least 5 myths and 5 facts about the drug. See chart below for additional rubric for Task 3 |
20
|
|
|
Total |
50 |
|
|
Group Project: Content |
Needs Improvement Group did not answer all of the questions about their drug 5 |
Proficient Group answered most questions about their drug 7 |
Excellent Group answered all questions about their drug in a clear and concise manner 10 |
Total: |
|
|
Group Project: Creativity |
Group did not put much effort into making their materials look presentable 3 |
Materials presentable but not creative in using technology or other resources 4 |
Creativity was adequate and used technology to the best of their knowledge to present their slides in a clear and concise manner 5 |
Total: |
|
|
Presentation of Drug to the Class |
The group did not present their slides in an appropriate manner (i.e. not everyone spoke, slides were hard to read, etc.) 3 |
Most of the group members presented at least one slide in an appropriate manner 4 |
All group members presented at least one slide, and spoke loudly and clearly 5 |
Total: |
Conclusion
During this Web Quest, you have researched and learned some of the consequences associated with substance abuse. You learned about the physical and mental consequences that can go hand in hand with drug use. Upon completion of this Web Quest, please take a moment for reflection. Has the information gained during this Web Quest changed your views on drugs in any way? If so, how? Remember, there will always be times in high school and throughout the rest of your life where you will be presented with the chance to use drugs. Please, continue to research the life threatening damages that are associated with substance abuse so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these risks.
Credits
https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/about-gateway-foundation/faqs/effects-of-drug-abuse/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/How-drugs-affect-your-body
Teacher Page
PA Standard:
10.1.12.A. Evaluate issues relating to the use/non-use of drugs.
- psychology of addiction
- social impact (e.g., cost, relationships)
- chemical use and fetal development
- laws relating to alcohol, tobacco and chemical substances
- impact on the individual
- impact on the community