Note: This lesson was originally published on an older version
of The Learning Network; the link to the related Times article
will take you to a page on the old site. Teaching ideas based on
New York Times content. Overview of Lesson Plan: In this lesson,
students simulate the effects of alcohol on their vision and
motor skills. Then, after doing additional research on the
dangers of driving while intoxicated, students create an
educational activity that might convince a particular target
audience not to use alcohol and/or drink and drive. Jackie
Glasthal, The New York Times Learning Network Suggested Time
Allowance: 1 hour 1. Use a set of “blurred” glasses and weights
to simulate the effects of alcohol on their vision and motor
skills. 2. Examine the correlation between state laws that set
lower alcohol limits and the number of young people who drink
and drive, by reading and discussing “A Sobering Effect on
Teenage Drivers.” 3. Work in groups to create an educational
activity discouraging the use of alcohol