That powerful surge of energy you feel when you’re scared or nervous just might save your life.
Define adrenaline; identify triggers of the hormone and describe its effect on the body; evaluate ways to manage nerves related to a rush of adrenaline.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Define adrenaline; identify triggers of the hormone and describe its effect on the body; evaluate ways to manage nerves related to a rush of adrenaline.
HEALTH ED STANDARDS
NHES 1: Identify concepts that promote health and prevent disease.
CASEL COMPETENCY: Self-management
KEY VOCAB
hormone
neurons
nauseated
Lesson Plan: Your Body On. . . Adrenaline
That powerful surge of energy you feel when you’re scared or nervous just might save your life.
1. Preparing to Read
Before you read the article “Your Body On. . . Adrenaline,” ask your students the following pre-reading question:
How does adrenaline affect my body, and how can I manage an adrenaline rush if it happens?
2. Reading and Discussing
Have your students read the article “Your Body On… Adrenaline” independently; read the article out loud to them; or have students partner-read the article out loud.
After they’ve read the debate, revisit the pre-reading question. Have their answers changed?
Next, have your students answer the Close-Reading and Critical-Thinking questions, either working in small groups or independently.
Close-Reading Questions
The following questions can be shared in printable or interactive form from the Resources tab.
Does adrenaline only affect your body when there is a real threat? Explain your answer giving evidence from the article.
How can adrenaline affect your physical strength? Give an example described in the article.
Critical-Thinking Questions
What are some common situations that might cause a fight-or-flight reaction for some people?
Have you ever heard of someone accomplishing an incredible feat in a dangerous situation? Write a short summary of the story below.
3. Building Comprehension and Vocab
Check students’ comprehension of and engagement with the story with the following assessment tools:
Quiz
Vocab Builder
4. Expanding SEL Opportunities
Continue the learning journey with the following extension activity:
In this activity, have students watch this Buzzfeed video (https://bit.ly/3hl5Ta1) about HYSTERICAL STRENGTH TO THE RESCUE—or, people’s unique ability to accomplish extraordinary feats of strength in a life-or-death situation. Then, have them answer questions about what they saw. An answer key is included on page two of this activity to aid discussion.
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