Brain Power!
The mission of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is to lead the nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. The Brain Power! Program is one effort in trying to reach this goal. Brain Power! is designed to take students in Grades 4 and 5 step-by-step through an exploration of the processes of science and how to use these processes to learn about the brain, the nervous system, and the effects of drugs on the nervous system and the body. Through hands-on science investigations, a videotape and supplementary activities that are linked to other areas of the curriculum, students with different learning styles and strengths are given numerous opportunities to grasp the materials. In addition, an overall goal of the project has been to make learning fun and engaging and to instill in young students a lifelong interest in science. The program begins with the premise that a group of children has formed a Brain Power club that receives problems, or missions, to solve from NIDA.
The Truth About Inhalants
This researched based clicker program addresses a dangerous trend among young people- the sniffing or huffing of household products to get high. Students will hear real accounts of how young people suffered seizures, blindness, respiratory arrest and death from inhaling substances that could be found in anyone’s home.
Get Bully Smart
Get Bully Smart is a comprehensive, researched based program that provides the tools necessary to help eliminate bullying in your school. This program consists of 4- 40 minute sessions: Are You a Bully?, Five Ways to Stop a Bully, Don’t Stand By, and Help! I’m a Bully. All components are designed to encourage students to practice assertiveness skills and promote a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying. Special handouts for teachers provide useful reinforcement tools for the entire school community. DVD access in the classroom is necessary for program.
Don't Drain Your Brain
Cyber Bullying and Making Good Choices
This fun and interactive program was designed to make students aware of the hidden dangers of technology as well as the importance of making good choices. The new “clicker” technology will be used to involve all students in an interactive polling system that will not only keep their interest but will teach them about making healthy choices in today’s high tech society.
Forest Friends
Description:
A developmental puppet program designed to help Kindergarten children learn basic life skills they will be able to use throughout their entire life. There are six 15-20 minute stories; two are presented at each session over a 3 week period. The stories build on one another so that each new story teaches a lesson while reinforcing the previous one. When furry role models learn how to make decisions and find their inner beauty, the children are inspired to do the same. After each story, the children are engaged in a discussion and activity which encourages them to practice their newly acquired skills.
Prehistoric Pals
Description:
A prevention program designed to provide young children with the necessary skills to express and deal successfully with feeling of anger and rage. Eight prehistoric puppets offer the audience some positive alternatives to violence that are practical and easy to understand. As the children identify with the characters, they see their friends finding peaceful solutions to everyday problems. They witness a world where reasoning works and kindness prevails. After each session, the audience is encouraged to participate in a related activity designed to reinforce the value presented.
"Forest Friends and Prehistoric Pals are always well organized. The children really enjoy the puppets and stories. In addition to the present comprehensive guidance curricula, I have found supplementing these two excellent designed programs into the school benefits all involved; students, families, and the school community at large."
Catherine Rutledge, School Counselor, Thomas B. Conley Elementary School
What's in a Cigarette?
Description:
Each year, 19,700 New Jersey teens under 18 become daily smokers - that's 54 teens a day! This is an interactive program that reveals the ingredients of a cigarette and the effects smoking has on the body. Students examine the reasons they might decide to smoke despite their knowledge and the different ways they can say no.
"When I show my brother this he will definitely stop smoking (he"s in 9th grade!)"
Sixth grader at Round Valley Middle School
"What"s in a cigarette is GROSS!"
Sixth grader at Round Valley Middle School
Footprints for Life
Description:
Footprints for Life is a six-week program that is taught during a regular class period for approximately 40 minutes each week. This program is a science-based curriculum that also meets the requirements for character education. Through the use of puppets and real life stories, the program helps young children build a strong foundation of life skills rooted in key social competencies that include planning and decision-making practice, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, peer pressure, and peaceful conflict resolution assets identified as promoting positive attitudes and behaviors.


