Teens and
Substance Use
A True Reality Series
A WebQuest for Sixth Grade
Designed by
Mrs. Damren
Introduction:
You are a journalist for a magazine called The
Teen Scene. You have a special column entitled "Teen
Talk". Your editor has assigned
you and an investigative team to research teenage substance abuse and the
impact it has on the user and his/her family.
Task:
Your responsibility
is to investigate what behaviors lead teens into rehab, what are the most
common substances abused, as well as the physical, emotional, social,
financial, and legal consequences suffered by the user and others (family,
friends) as well. What factors lead teens to use substances in the first place?
Do family genetics play a role?
Draft a minimum of 15 questions that address what is listed above.
The Process:
You will be a member of a three-person investigative team that will find the answers to the questions above. Kidshealth.org is an excellent website for kids your age to find information regarding teen substance use and abuse. Access this website for information.
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All 15 questions with answers provided for at least 12/15
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A visually appealing layout
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Writing that flows-is there an introduction, a question-answer
section, a meaningful conclusion about what you discovered?
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Writing that is free of spelling and grammatical errors
Definitions to consider providing in your column writing:
*Adolescence
*Substances/Drugs
*Rehabilitation
*Counseling/Therapy
*Communication
*Others (what you feel your readers will need to know to
understand what you are discussing)
Evaluation:
Your performance will be evaluated in two forms, individual work and group work. Each will be scored on a rubric scale of 1-3, 3 -demonstrating meticulous care and research in work, 2-mediocre care and research in work, and 1-little to no care in work.
Conclusion:
Through this project, you will learn that there are many caring
people who want to help teenagers overcome obstacles and to help those who have
become substance dependent. You will learn, that either due to personal
obstacles or other factors, teens are often confused and afraid to ask for
help, so they turn to substances as a means of Ògetting throughÓ a difficult time. Ultimately, you will learn, that
substances are NOT a healthy means of dealing with problems and often lead to
more in depth problems that can eventually land them into rehab. Feel free to
check out http://www.teensavers.com/,
a website that offers healthy, productive ways of getting involved in local and
community service projects, rendering a positive self esteem while helping
others and steering teens away from the temptations of substance use that can
prove both detrimental and deadly.
Credit and References:
http://www.teen-drug-abuse.org/adolescent-substance-abuse.htm