"Rappin To Be Drug Free!"

Unit: Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Grade level: 7th or 8th grade

Objectives:
•Students will demonstrate ways to support people who are abstaining from and/or trying to quit using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
•Students will compose persuasive advice for peers on how to stay alcohol, tobacco, and drug free.
•Students will analyze how alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and exposure negatively impacts the user, as well as friends, family members, and community members.

Materials:
Paper
Pencils
Flip camera
Computer lab

Anticipatory Set:
Media has a huge impact on our popular culture today. Discuss with students the various forms of media that help to disseminate information or ideas. As students brainstorm ideas (television, movies, music, internet, etc.), discuss the idea that the messages received can be positive or negative.

Tell students that for this project, they will be writing, filming, and editing a “music video” that persuades others to make healthy choices involving drugs.

Activity:
Students will begin by working in groups of 2 or 3 to write a “rap” that persuades others to make positive choices when it comes to using drugs.
Rap requirements:
•20 lines minimum
oAt least 3 effects on the brain
oAt least 3 health consequences
oAt least 3 social consequences

After writing the rap, students will practice their performance. Students will create different scenery, with the use of various locations and props for their performance.

When the presentation is ready, the students will use a Flip Camera to record the performance.

In the computer lab, students will alter and edit their videos to create a final product. After completing the project, students will share their videos with the class. Through a vote, the most popular video that meets the requirements will be shown to the entire school on the morning announcements.

Assessment:
After completing the video, students will be assessed on their completion of the requirements:
•20 lines minimum
oAt least 3 effects on the brain
oAt least 3 health consequences
oAt least 3 social consequences