Heart attacks, liver disease, and tooth decay are just a few of the negative consequences that result from abusing street drugs, not to mention the devastation such abuse can have on one’s career and relationships. We’ve all heard the stories.
But what, you might ask, about the data? Exactly why and how do these substances affect us in such awful and destructive ways?
Recently, a group of Gator students who’ve been researching just that presented both their data and findings on the chemical effects street drugs have on the human body to Eisenhower High School Students in Aldine ISD, and, in the process, provided both a health and chemistry lesson of sorts to the community.
The presenters were all taking part in a Service-Learning project as part of an Organic Chemistry course taught by Dr. Vishakha Shembekar, a lecturer in the Natural Sciences Department in the College of Sciences & Technology.
Over 600 high school students participated in the events (there were two sessions), and they had the chance to learn and digest the data and conclusions in a variety of ways—PowerPoint, oral presentation, poster, and brochure—this way, all types of learners were accommodated.
Dr. Shembekar noted the importance of incorporating impactful Service-Learning experiences such as this into coursework, as it not only helps students but the surrounding community. She made a special mention of Dr. Poonam Gulati, Executive Director, Impact Learning Office, as the student presentations and the event would not have been possible without that office’s support.
And while we know that drug abuse has consequences, let us hope that the research presented by Gator students has them as well, positive ones that warn, entertain, and persuade local high school students to not abuse drugs, of course, but to also find a field of study they enjoy.