Anxiety and The Brain: An

Investigation in the High

School Environment
GT Independent Research Program
Prepared by Savannah Pearson

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

The purpose of this lesson is to inform students of the effects of anxiety on the
brain and effective ways to manage anxiety. To start the class, students will rate
their knowledge about anxiety from 1-10 on a half sheet of paper. Next, as a class,
students will predict the difference between anxiety and anxiety disorder, the
answer will then be shown on the presentation. Then, based on the picture
shown, students will guess the sign and symptoms that correspond to each
picture. Next, as a class, students will do a fill-in-the blank activity in order to
learn a few facts and statistics about anxiety. Lastly students will do a short
matching activity, to match the type of anxiety disorder to its correct definition.

The next part of class will consist of a brief overview about how anxiety affects
the brain. Then the instructor will demonstrate two coping methods in which
students will be asked to practice. Students will then be asked to reflect and
brainstorm instances in which they could utilize these methods.

The last part of class will require the students to sit in groups of five or six
depending on the class size. Each group will be given a discussion topic regarding
todays lesson. In each group students will discuss their response and write it on
the poster. After the time is up, students will rotate the poster to a new group and
recieve and new discussion topic. Repeat until each group has responded to every
question.

On the half sheet of paper from the beginning of class, students should rate their
knowledge of anxiety from 1-10 and pass them to the instructor.

1
OBJECTIVES
1. Students will better understand how anxiety affects the brain.
2. Students can identify the internal and external effects of anxiety.
3. Student will comfortable discussing anxiety with classmates and
teachers.
4. Students will know a few coping methods to help deal with anxiety.

MATERIALS NEEDED
1. Poster paper (5)
2. Markers (5)
3. Blank half sheet of paper (20+)

VERIFICATION
1. Students actively participated and were engaged in class discussion
2. Student actively participated in group discussion.
3. Students were able to share and articulate their ideas amongst peers.
4. Students were able to practice the coping methods independently.
5. Students responses after the lesson showed an improved
understanding compared to the previous responses.

ACTIVITY
Each table group will be given a topic of discussion:
What aspects of Centennials environment do you think causes the
most anxiety for students and why?
How could the symptoms of anxiety affects a students school
performance and social life?
What is something new that you learned in this lesson, or something
that could help you deal with anxiety better?
What are some daily instances in which a student could utilize one of
the coping methods?
What are some short and long term effects/benefits managing ones
anxiety?