The purpose of this unit is to (1) increase understanding of the drug issue and (2) further develop skill in graphing. Except for this introduction the unit has been written to be used as a text for students.
There are four parts: The Current Scene, 7000 Years of Drug Use, Why is Taking Drugs So Dangerous?, and Graphing Drug Data.
This unit was planned with 10th, 11th and 12th grade students in general math courses in mind. The reason for focusing on this group is that through the years I have found it difficult to find material that was suitable to their level of maturity and yet mathematically uncomplicated. It also could be used in an algebra I or social studies course.
To do the entire unit would probably take between one and two weeks. However, it could be used in independent one day units and the data could be used in many different ways. One plan for how to use this unit is as follows.
Assignment #1: Read sections The Current Scene, 7000 Years of Drug Use, and Why is Drug Taking So Dangerous?
Assignment #2: Discuss the above sections. Start using a time line as part of the discussion.
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Assignment #3: Go over ideas in Using Tables. Do exercises.
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Assignment #4: Go over ideas in Using Time Lines. Do exercises.
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Assignment #5: Go over ideas in Using Bar Graphs. Do exercises.
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Assignment #6: Go over ideas in Using Line Graphs. Do exercises.
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Assignment #7: Go over ideas in Using Circle Graphs. Do exercises.
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The best two of each type goes up on display.
Two things surprised me when I first began to do research on the drug issue. First, the issue of drug use/abuse can be seen as part of the much larger issue of substance abuse. The substance could be illegal (i.e. cocaine and marijuana), legal (i.e. alcohol and nicotine), or even a necessity of life (i.e. food, work and exercise). The common link is a compulsion to repeat a behavior that interferes with optimal functioning. One of the most subtle aspects of substance abuse is that of use/abuse relationship. Use of things such as food is a necessity of life, but taken in excess they begin to deteriorate the quality of life and may result in damage to one’s health or ability to function. Alcohol is socially acceptable and through the centuries has helped to make countless social gatherings merry. In excess, however, it becomes a dangerous substance with dire bio-psycho-social consequences.
Second, the use/abuse of drugs is not a new issue; it has been around for at least 7000 years. What is new is the large quantity and variety of drugs that in our technological age can be sent by land, sea and air to all parts of the world. Therefore, what we are looking at is an issue that is causing biological, psychological and social problems around the world.