Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Students will identify key adolescent brain structures and explain how developmental differences influence decision-making through interactive lecture and group discussion.

Understanding adolescent brain development empowers students to recognize how physiological factors impact choices, promoting self-awareness and better decision-making.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Hook & Scenario

5 minutes

Step 2

Mini-Lecture on Brain Structures

10 minutes

Step 3

Paired Handout Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Class Discussion

5 minutes

Step 5

Exit Ticket

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 1: Introduction to the Adolescent Brain

Welcome students and introduce the session’s focus. Say: “Today we’ll explore how your brain develops during adolescence and how that shapes your decisions.” Outline the 35-minute agenda.

Why Brain Development Matters

Explain why brain development matters right now. Ask: “Have you ever acted impulsively or felt strong emotions you couldn’t control?” Use their responses to connect to the bullets.

Key Brain Structures

Introduce the two core structures. If you have a diagram, point to each. Emphasize that these systems develop at different rates.

Developmental Timeline

Describe the maturation timeline. Draw a simple timeline on the board: limbic system peaks in early teens, prefrontal cortex into mid-20s. Ask: “What might that mean for teen behavior?”

Vocabulary Spotlight

Go through each vocabulary term with a real-life example. After defining each, ask for a volunteer to restate the definition in their own words.

Real-Life Scenario

Read the scenario aloud. Give students 30 seconds to think-pair-share. Prompt with: “Which brain system is leading in this moment?”

What’s Next

Preview the upcoming activities and link to the handout. Remind students where to find the handout and what to prepare.

Activity

Cool Down

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Students will analyze real-life decision-making scenarios to understand risk–reward dynamics and begin designing personalized decision-making action plans.

Exploring scenarios and reflecting on outcomes helps students recognize brain-driven impulses, improve self-regulation, and make more informed choices.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Hook: Real-Life Scenario

5 minutes

Step 2

Mini-Lecture: Brain’s Risk–Reward Systems

8 minutes

Step 3

Group Activity: Scenario Analysis

10 minutes

Step 4

Project Introduction: Decision-Making Action Plan

7 minutes

Step 5

Cool Down: Reflective Journal

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 2: Risk and Reward in Decision-Making

Welcome students. Recap Session 1 key ideas: limbic system vs prefrontal cortex. Introduce today’s focus on risk and reward. Outline the 35-minute agenda: scenario discussion, mini-lecture, activity prep, and project intro.

Real-Life Scenario

Read the scenario aloud. Ask students to jot down quick ideas on sticky notes or in their journals. Prompt: “What risks do you see? What rewards?”

Risks vs. Rewards

Use this slide to record student responses under each column on the board. Emphasize that both risks and rewards drive decision processes.

Brain’s Risk–Reward Systems

Explain that the limbic system’s reward centers release dopamine when we anticipate or receive rewards, often overriding the still-developing prefrontal cortex.

The Role of Dopamine

Define dopamine and show how it reinforces behavior. Connect back to the scenario: “When you feel accepted or thrilled, dopamine is at work.”

Think-Pair-Share

Give students 1-2 minutes to think, then pair up to share examples. Circulate and listen for connections to dopamine and self-control.

What’s Next

Preview the upcoming group activity and project. Remind students where to find the scenario cards, worksheets, and project guidelines.

Activity

Project Guide

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Students will finalize their personalized Decision-Making Action Plans, give and receive peer feedback, and share their visual aids to reinforce self-regulation strategies.

This session helps students refine their plans using peer insights and practice articulating strategies, solidifying their understanding and commitment to better decision-making.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Reflection

5 minutes

Step 2

Peer Review Exchange

8 minutes

Step 3

Finalize Plans & Visual Aids

10 minutes

Step 4

Gallery Walk Presentations

8 minutes

Step 5

Cool Down: Final Reflection

4 minutes

Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Hook & Scenario

Step 2

Mini-Lecture on Brain Structures

Step 3

Paired Handout Activity

Step 4

Class Discussion

Step 5

Exit Ticket

Slide Deck

Session 1: Introduction to the Adolescent Brain

Why Brain Development Matters

Key Brain Structures

Developmental Timeline

Vocabulary Spotlight

Real-Life Scenario

What’s Next

Activity

Cool Down

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Hook: Real-Life Scenario

Step 2

Mini-Lecture: Brain’s Risk–Reward Systems

Step 3

Group Activity: Scenario Analysis

Step 4

Project Introduction: Decision-Making Action Plan

Step 5

Cool Down: Reflective Journal

Slide Deck

Session 2: Risk and Reward in Decision-Making

Real-Life Scenario

Risks vs. Rewards

Brain’s Risk–Reward Systems

The Role of Dopamine

Think-Pair-Share

What’s Next

Activity

Project Guide

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Warm-Up Reflection

Step 2

Peer Review Exchange

Step 3

Finalize Plans & Visual Aids

Step 4

Gallery Walk Presentations

Step 5

Cool Down: Final Reflection

Discussion

Cool Down

Brain Power Play

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