Activity Overview
Most drugs fall into one or more of these main drug categories: stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. Marijuana is a drug that may be classified as both a depressant and a hallucinogenic.
Ask your students to create a visual of a stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogenic effect and describe what the drug does to the body. By asking the students to create specific drug examples and requiring them to list the long term effects of continued use may be a good way to reinforce negative consequences of drug use. Monitoring what students produce while they work is key to keeping the content school appropriate.
Drugs that fall under the stimulant drug category will speed up the central nervous system when introduced to the body. Effects include elevated heart rate, increased alertness or energy, lowered appetite, and possible insomnia.
Examples of stimulants are:
- Tobacco (nicotine)
- Caffeine
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamine
- Adderall/Ritalin
Depressants are known to slow down the central nervous system. Some effects on the body include lowered heart rate, numbness, lowered reaction time, and impaired coordination.
Examples of depressants are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Sleeping Medication
- Prescription Opioids/Narcotic
- Codeine
- Xanax
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
Hallucinogenic substances alter someone’s perspective of light, taste, hearing, and sight, while possibly causing hallucinations. These effects on the body make hallucinogens popular at music events.
Examples of hallucinogens include:
- LSD
- PCP
- Ecstasy/Molly
- Psilocybin (mushrooms)
- Marijuana
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard showing the different effects of drugs on the body.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- List the three main drug categories in the title boxes.
- List three short term effects and one long term effect each drug has on the body in the description box below the cell.
- Illustrate the effect of the drug on the body in the cell using a combination of appropriate scenes, characters, and items. Do not depict the actual use of the drug.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | A three cell storyboard was created with titles and descriptions. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates understanding different drug categories and the effects on the body. | A three cell storyboard was created with titles and descriptions. There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content. |
| Stimulants | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a stimulant. The description includes three correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a stimulant. The description includes two correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a stimulant drug. The description includes two or more incorrect examples of the drugs effect on the body. |
| Depressants | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a depressant. The description includes three correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a depressant.The description includes two correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a depressant drug. The description includes two or more incorrect examples of the drugs effect on the body. |
| Hallucinogens | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a hallucinogenic. The description includes three correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a hallucinogenic.The description includes two correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a hallucinogenic drug. The description includes two or more incorrect examples of the drugs effect on the body. |
Activity Overview
Most drugs fall into one or more of these main drug categories: stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. Marijuana is a drug that may be classified as both a depressant and a hallucinogenic.
Ask your students to create a visual of a stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogenic effect and describe what the drug does to the body. By asking the students to create specific drug examples and requiring them to list the long term effects of continued use may be a good way to reinforce negative consequences of drug use. Monitoring what students produce while they work is key to keeping the content school appropriate.
Drugs that fall under the stimulant drug category will speed up the central nervous system when introduced to the body. Effects include elevated heart rate, increased alertness or energy, lowered appetite, and possible insomnia.
Examples of stimulants are:
- Tobacco (nicotine)
- Caffeine
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamine
- Adderall/Ritalin
Depressants are known to slow down the central nervous system. Some effects on the body include lowered heart rate, numbness, lowered reaction time, and impaired coordination.
Examples of depressants are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Sleeping Medication
- Prescription Opioids/Narcotic
- Codeine
- Xanax
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
Hallucinogenic substances alter someone’s perspective of light, taste, hearing, and sight, while possibly causing hallucinations. These effects on the body make hallucinogens popular at music events.
Examples of hallucinogens include:
- LSD
- PCP
- Ecstasy/Molly
- Psilocybin (mushrooms)
- Marijuana
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard showing the different effects of drugs on the body.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- List the three main drug categories in the title boxes.
- List three short term effects and one long term effect each drug has on the body in the description box below the cell.
- Illustrate the effect of the drug on the body in the cell using a combination of appropriate scenes, characters, and items. Do not depict the actual use of the drug.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | A three cell storyboard was created with titles and descriptions. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates understanding different drug categories and the effects on the body. | A three cell storyboard was created with titles and descriptions. There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content. |
| Stimulants | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a stimulant. The description includes three correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a stimulant. The description includes two correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a stimulant drug. The description includes two or more incorrect examples of the drugs effect on the body. |
| Depressants | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a depressant. The description includes three correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a depressant.The description includes two correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a depressant drug. The description includes two or more incorrect examples of the drugs effect on the body. |
| Hallucinogens | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a hallucinogenic. The description includes three correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a drug classified as a hallucinogenic.The description includes two correct examples of short term effects and one example of a long term effect on the body. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depicted a hallucinogenic drug. The description includes two or more incorrect examples of the drugs effect on the body. |
How Tos about Three Main Drug Categories
Plan an age-appropriate class discussion on drug categories
Engage students by introducing each drug category with relatable examples and simple language. Encourage open questions and clarify misconceptions to build a safe learning environment for sensitive topics.
Set clear classroom guidelines for discussing drug effects
Establish boundaries before the discussion begins. Remind students to use respectful language, avoid personal stories, and focus on facts. This keeps conversations safe and age-appropriate for everyone.
Use real-life scenarios to encourage critical thinking
Present short, realistic situations involving choices around drug use. Ask students to discuss possible outcomes and identify effects associated with stimulants, depressants, or hallucinogens. This deepens understanding of real-world consequences.
Prompt students to reflect on healthy alternatives
Guide students to brainstorm positive ways to manage stress, peer pressure, or curiosity. Highlight healthy habits such as sports, art, or talking with trusted adults to reinforce drug-free choices.
Wrap up with a quick exit ticket or reflection
Ask students to write down one new fact and one question they still have. Use these reflections to tailor future lessons and ensure student understanding of the main drug categories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Three Main Drug Categories
What are the three main categories of drugs taught in high school health classes?
The three main drug categories commonly taught are stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. Each affects the body and brain in different ways, and some drugs, like marijuana, can fit into more than one category.
How can I help students understand the effects of stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens?
Visual activities, such as having students create a storyboard or visual chart of each drug category's effects, help reinforce understanding. Students can list short-term and long-term effects and illustrate how each drug impacts the body without showing actual use.
What are some examples of common stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens for classroom lessons?
Stimulants: nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines.
Depressants: alcohol, heroin, prescription opioids, sleeping medications.
Hallucinogens: LSD, PCP, ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana.
What is the difference between stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens in terms of their effects on the body?
Stimulants speed up the nervous system and increase alertness. Depressants slow down the nervous system and can cause drowsiness. Hallucinogens alter perception, causing changes in senses and sometimes hallucinations.
How can teachers ensure drug education activities remain age-appropriate and safe?
Monitor student work closely, give clear instructions to avoid depicting drug use, and require students to focus on effects and consequences rather than glamorizing drugs. Encourage factual, respectful discussions.
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