A Dangerous Mix

Created by: Scholastic and the National Institute on Drug Abuse

In this lesson, developed in partnership with Scholastic, students will get an understanding of the unexpected and potentially dangerous effects associated with mixing medications and over-the-counter drugs. The activity will also educate teens about how mixing substances with alcohol or illicit drugs increases those risks. Includes an adapted version for grades 4-6 reading level. 

Lesson Plan Highlights:

  • Student activity sheets
  • Student article
  • Teacher's prompts

Grade Level(s):

6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12 

Student Skills:

  • Analyzing and interpreting information, data, and/or evidence
  • Critical thinking
  • Understanding health effects and risks

Time / Duration:

  • 1 class period

Materials:

  • Printer/copier for student handouts

Languages:

  • English

Academic Standards:

    Common Core State Standards

    • RST.1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts
    • W.1. Write arguments to support claims using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence

    National Council for the Social Studies

    • 8. Science, technology, and society

    National Science Education Standards

    • Personal health
    • Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

    Next Generation Science Standards

    • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Teacher's Guide and Student Worksheet

Student Article