Papers, Presentations, and Projects
The harmful consequences of underage alcohol use represent rich material for papers,
presentations, and other school projects. This broad topic can be used in many subjects-English,
mathematics, social studies, even biology. Besides the links mentioned in this section,
be sure to check out the
Resources page
for good sources of information about alcohol and its effects on young people. You can use these resources to complete a school assignment.
Here are some ideas and resources:
Alcohol and the Brain
Difficulty walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, impaired
memory. Alcohol affects the brain very soon after a person drinks it and
until it is completely gone from the bloodstream. The consequences of drinking may
affect a person far beyond adolescence because alcohol can cause alterations in
the structure and function of the developing brain.
Take a closer look at
how alcohol acts in your body
and what it does to different parts of your body.
Facts and illustrations of alcohol's damaging effects on the brain
Art
Make your own poster. Deliver your own prevention message about underage alcohol
use.
 |
The selections in this colorful poster's vending machine represent the many activities
kids can choose to do instead of drinking. Aimed at middle school underage drinking
programs, the poster directs students to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism adolescent drinking prevention Web site at
http://www.theCoolSpot.gov. |
Do the Math
Underage drinking costs the citizens of the United States $60.3 billion in 2005,
or $2,094 per year for each youth. These costs include medical care, work loss,
and pain and suffering associated with the multiple problems resulting from the
use of alcohol by youth. To measure the cost of underage drinking in your community,
multiply the number of local students by $2,094.
Statistics
on underage drinking
English
History
Learn about the
National Minimum Drinking Age Act,
signed into law in 1984 (before you were born).
Multimedia
Interview classmates to learn about their views on underage drinking. Post the audio
or video footage on your social networking site. Find out if your school has a Web
site where you could post this material, too. Ask if this site includes links to
good information about underage drinking, such as the Federal Government's site
at
http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov.
Social Studies
Go to the
Alcohol Policy Information System
to learn about alcohol-related statutes and regulations in your State. Check out
the maps and charts and compare where your State stands on various issues related
to underage drinking.
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