MEMBER TASKS
In your assigned group of three, decide who will take the roles of historian, counselor, and medical researcher. The responsibilities of each title are very specific and equally important. Each person will perform the research for his/her position using the internet, the library, and/or interviews of experts in the field. Included in this webquest is a reference index that may be used for your research. And remember:
Research content is open and flexible, but should include the guiding questions listed in the description of each member's tasks. You are encouraged to add any information that you deem important. You make the call.
Don't forget to document all references used in writing your paper and creating your project. Give credit where credit is due!
Although each member has a specific role and description of duties, you are still a team, so work like one! Everyone's research will overlap in many aspects; use it to your advantage.
Consult the evaluation criteria for exact expectations of your work for the optimal grade. (that would be an A)
THE HISTORIAN
: You will tell the history of the drug in question, from its discovery and first uses to its presence today. As a guide:
when was it discovered? how was it discovered?
where does it come from ? (plant? animal? natural? man-made?)
what exactly is it?
how has its use evolved/devolved with time?
was it always illegal? if not, when and why was it made illegal?
were there any significant court cases involving the drug?
what laws have been created to control the use of the drug?
The Medical Researcher
: You will describe the physiological, chemical, and psychological effects the drug has on the human. As a guide: What are the chemical attributes of the drug?
How does it react chemically with the brain?
Where in the brain does it have its effect? Name specific areas and receptors when possible. Ex. cerebral cortex, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, globus pallidus.
What are the physiological effects of the drug on the body? Which organs are affected? Is the damage permanent or repairable?
What are the psychological and emotional effects of the drug? How long do the episodes last? Are there recurrent or permanent problems?
Is there a medical condition that the symptoms of taking the drug can be mistaken for?
How dangerous are overdoses and how are they treated?
What would happen if the drug was mixed with other drugs and alcohol?
The Substance Abuse Counselor
: You will be responsible for finding the most up-to-date information on teenage substance abuse in order to advise teens on the dangers of experimenting and/or long-term use of illegal drugs. As a guide: Why do teens experiment with illegal drugs?
What can happen with the first use of the particular drug?
What happens with continued use of drugs?
What are the symptoms of drug addiction?
Where can teens go to get help with drug addiction?
What are the most common treatments for drug addiction?
What is the effectiveness of drug counseling and treatment?
Does a substance abuse counselor have to report anything to parents or to legal authorities?
Does drug abuse counseling cost money? If so, how much?
Does the use of one drug lead to the use of a "harder" drug? (The Gateway Theory)