Alabama Social Studies SS24.P.5b
The Standard
- SS24.P.5
- Describe the structure, biochemistry, and circuitry of the brain and nervous system, and explain their roles in human behavior and mental processes.*
Explain the effect of neurotransmitters on human behavior and compare the effects of drugs and toxins on the brain.
2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies · Biological Basis of Psychology
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain how neurotransmitters change signals between neurons and affect behavior. They compare how a drug changes brain signaling with how a toxin can damage brain function.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain that GABA reduces neuron activity and that alcohol can strengthen its effects, slowing reactions. They can explain that lead exposure can disrupt brain development and harm attention.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think one neurotransmitter controls one behavior, such as dopamine causing happiness. They may assume all drugs speed up the brain or that toxins cannot affect behavior.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Explain how GABA affects neuron activity. Then compare one effect of alcohol with one effect of lead exposure.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Pass paper signal tokens between two desk neurons, then use GABA and alcohol cards to model less firing at the receiving neuron.
Write two sentences explaining why alcohol can slow reaction time while lead exposure can harm attention over time.
Sort cards labeled GABA, glutamate, alcohol, and lead into neurotransmitter, drug, or toxin groups, then defend each choice.
Read a coffee can's caffeine label and a lead paint warning, then write how each substance may affect attention.
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Printable SS24.P.5b Worksheet
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Related Standards
- SS24.P.5a
Describe communication between neurons and the electrochemical process, including the role of neurotransmitters in behavior.*
- SS24.P.4
Compare the effects of heredity and environment on development and behavior.*
- SS24.P.5
Describe the structure, biochemistry, and circuitry of the brain and nervous system, and explain their roles in human behavior and mental processes.*
- SS24.P.5e
Explain how psychoactive drugs affect people, including the mechanisms of addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal.
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