KS3 Science · Biology
Drugs and health
Four short lessons. Look at the picture, learn three things, then play.
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Puzzles
These two are for the whole topic. Each lesson has a word search and a crossword of its own as well, at the top of its page.
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Key words
Drug A substance that changes the way the body or mind works
Medicine A drug that treats an illness or eases its symptoms
Recreational drug A drug taken for its effect, not for a medical reason
Painkiller A medicine that eases pain
Antibiotic A medicine that treats infections caused by bacteria
Caffeine A stimulant found in coffee, tea and cola
Alcohol A depressant found in drinks such as beer and wine
Nicotine The addictive drug in tobacco smoke
Stimulant A drug that speeds up the nervous system
Depressant A drug that slows down the nervous system
Nervous system The brain, the spinal cord and the nerves
Reaction time The time taken to respond to something you see, hear or feel
Liver The organ that breaks down alcohol
Cirrhosis Scarring of the liver, which heavy drinking can cause
Drug misuse Taking a drug in a way that does harm or breaks the law
Addiction Depending on a drug and finding it very hard to stop
Withdrawal symptoms Unpleasant effects felt when an addicted person stops taking a drug
Craving A strong urge to take a drug again