Glaciers

Purpose: Alcohol and other drugs use have long-term effects. Even if we can’t see the effects taking place, they are still happening within our body. Over time the results of this damage will begin to show. This activity will simulate the impact persistent action has on something such as when one uses drugs or alcohol over an extended period of time.

Materials:

1. 1 ice cube per team of three

2. 1 roll of paper towels

3. 1 watch with a second hand

Activity: Divide the group participants into teams of three. Give each team an ice cube. This activity consists of seeing how long it takes each team to completely melt their ice cube. To melt the ice cube, they may only use their hands and breath. They may not rub it on the floor or on their clothes. When each team finishes, have them raise their hands and the group facilitator calls out their finishing time.

Processing:

1. What did you find to be the best method for melting the ice cube?

2. What problems did your team have?

3. How cold was the ice cube when you first started? After you got going did it stop feeling as cold? Explain. (Once your skin becomes numb, you don’t feel the effects as much.)

4. Why didn’t all the teams finish melting their ice cubes at the same time?

5. How could this activity apply to addiction?

6. How could this activity apply to long-term effects of alcohol and other drugs?

7. List some circumstances or behaviors that increase the speed at which alcohol and other drugs can harm us.

8. Can you always tell what effect a drug is having on your body? Explain.

Resource: More Activities that Teach, Tom Jackson