Signs and Symptomologies of Central Nervous System Stimulants :: Curriculum

Lesson Time

One class: 55 Minutes

Standards

California Career and Technical Education Standards

PS.C.C1.2 Develop and maintain a constant awareness of potential problems.
PS.C.C1.3 Process information effectively to make prompt and effective decisions.
PS.C.C1.6 Apply critical thinking skills to perform in emergency response situations.

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.5 Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis...3

Objectives and Goals

Students will know and understand the symptomologies of CNS stimulants
Students will know and understand physical indicators of stimulant influence
Students will know the types of contraband associated with stimulant use
Students will create an art project demonstrating their ability in identifing the signs of someone being under the influence of a Central Nervous System Stimulent.

Activities in this Lesson

Focus on drug paraphernalia - Hooks / Set
Instructor brings student attention to a syringe hidden inside a pen. Instructor then explains the connection between drug paraphernalia and the use of stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
Signs and symptoms of stimulant use - Lecture
Instructor defines the signs and symptomologies of being under the influence of a CNS stimulant, such as dilated pupils, rapid pulse, lack of muscular control, profuse sweating, grinding of teeth, blackened gums, rapid speech, agitation, paranoia, dry mouth, insomnia, resudue or redness in nasal septum, and burned fingers and lips (if smoked).

Instructor explains to the students that a "sign" is something you can see, such as dilated pupils, and a "symptom" is something internal, such as rapid pulse.
- Stimulants Power Point [ Download ]
Feedback on video viewing - Guided Practice
After instructor shows video depicting an individual under the influence of CNS stimulants, instructor guides class discussion pertaining to student observations of indicators of CNS stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, etc.

Students then make notes in their journals of observations illustrating the signs and symptomologies of CNS stimulants.
- Stimulants Video [ Watch Video ] [ Download Original Video ]

Assessment

Assessment Types:: Projects, Teacher-Made Test,

Students will work in teams and create an art project that illustrates a person's visible signs of being under the influence of CNS stimulants, i.e., blackened gums, dilated pupils, profuse sweating, paranoia, etc.

Students take teacher-designed test that assesses student knowledge of understanding the effects of CNS stimulants, and associated contraband. Also, contained in the test are questions pertaining to other controlled substances that students will learn in other lesson plans.