About This Lesson
The Ask, Listen, Learn underage drinking prevention program teaches kids what the brain does, what alcohol does to it, and what underage drinking does to them! In this activity, students explore the role of their brain’s cerebellum in motor skills through the lens of an Olympic swimmer. Students consider why motor skills and coordination are important in the lives of all people (not just athletes!) and examine the negative effects of underage drinking on the cerebellum. Students ultimately apply what they have learned to create a profile of a fictional student their age to highlight the importance of making safe and healthy decisions.
Timing: 60 minutes
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Summarize the effects of alcohol use on the cerebellum
- Consider the effects of alcohol on one’s motor functions
- Reframe the effects of alcohol on the cerebellum into different messages that specifically target and resonate with middle school students
Materials Needed:
- Device with the ability to project
- Video: Healthy Decisions for the Whole Body
- Handout: Cerebellum Investigation Notes Sheet, one per student
- Video: How Alcohol Affects Your Developing Cerebellum
- Handout: Student Spotlight Cards (cut out), one card per student
