4. Ethanol

This series of modules was developed to help middle school students make healthier choices with respect to drug consumption, however the ideas explored should also empower student to make healthier decisions regarding their food and beverage intake.

During this lesson students will explore how ethanol interacts with the body. Ethanol is the molecule in alcoholic beverages that is responsible for its psychoactive effects (ex. buzz/high) and its addictive potential, This lesson will inform students about what products contain ethanol, the description of the molecule, and some general ways ethanol interacts with the body in the short- and long-term. Developing an understanding of a molecule like ethanol, a molecule commonly consumed by the adult public, should make it easier to recognize how and why molecules like nicotine (in tobacco products), THC (in marijuana), heroin and other opioids, can have affects on the body. By providing this background, we hope middle school students will make healthier choices regarding their food, drink, and drug consumption in general, and in particular, delay or abstain from alcohol consumption.

(This is written as part of a series of modules involving chemicals such as sucrose/table sugar, caffeine, and nicotine. As written it should be able to stand alone from the other modules, however the first module on sucrose/table sugar may give some helpful background. The other modules are found at digital.kenyon.edu/celchem401)