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Activity 2

Card Sort

The teacher should photocopy the following cards and make 5-7 sets of cut-out cards (depending on class size). In this activity, groups of 4-5 students sort through each of the pairs of cards 1-6 and decide which card they most agree with, A or B? The teacher may construct a table on the chalk board where students record their responses. The discussion of the cards within groups can typically run up to 30 minutes. In the closing session, the teacher would make reference to trends in the tabled data and the facts guide (Appendix A). Representatives from each group could then be asked to account for their preferences for A and B in the individual card pairs. The teacher can use the material in the activity reference guide to help guide the discussions.

1A

Using marijuana for recreational use is harmless if used in moderation. I actually think it should be legalized.

1B

Habitual marijuana use has the potential to escalate to using other drugs that may be more harmful.

2A

Using drugs to enhance your sports performance is ok as long as there are no long term effects on your body.

2B

Your performance in sports, exams, music/theater, etc., should be based on your personal best, not on drug enhancement. There are no situations where enhancement drugs are ok to use.

3A

Alcohol use by underage people is ok in the privacy of your home because it establishes an understanding of socially responsible drinking.

3B

Alcohol use can become addictive and can lead to irresponsible behavior such as drinking and driving so adolescents should avoid it.

4A

It’s ok if my friends use drugs as long as I don’t take them myself. That’s their business; I want somebody to hang out with.

4B

You don’t need friends who use drugs. You can choose another peer group.

5A

Between peer pressure and bad home situations, I can understand why some people escape on drugs once in awhile.

5B

Escaping reality is short-lived. It’s better to face your challenges head-on. Recreational drugs are dangerous even in small quantities.

6A

If my girlfriend/boyfriend was using drugs while I was present, I would feel some pressure to experiment with drugs too.

6B

If I was pressured by my girlfriend/boyfriend to use drugs, I would end the relationship immediately.

7A

Athletes caught using performance-enhancing drugs should be banned from competing in the sport for their lifetime.

7B

One bad decision to use drugs to enhance performance shouldn’t destroy an athlete’s career especially if they are competing at the Olympic level.