What’s That Medication

Download the STEM2D Activities Overview | Download this activity | Download this activity's PowerPoint | Go back to the list of activities

Topic: In this team-based, hands-on activity, students will learn about medications including the different types and how they break down in the body. From their understanding of drug-related concepts and information contained in drug dosage forms, students will be primed to share this information with others. They will work in teams and using different types of candy, they will explore how different forms of medicines breakdown in a mock stomach environment.

Time: 120 minutes; implemented in one session

Materials:

  • Pre-Activity Checklist

  • Tell My Story Form

  • Computer with projector, speakers, and Internet access

  • PowerPoint: What’s That Drug?

  • Student Handout, 1 per student

  • Pen/pencil, 1 per student

  • What’s That Medication? Materials 1 set of the following

  • materials per activity leader (for demonstration) and 1 per

  • student team

  • Candy as Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Mimics

    • 2 “Coated Capsules” (Jellybeans, Gummi Bears etc.)

    • 4 “Uncoated Tablet (Chalk-like Candy like Necco Wafers, Smarties etc.)

  • 2 Teaspoon of “Liquid Drug”/Cough Syrup (Pancake Syrup Corn Syrup, or Honey)

  • 8 Small Bowls or Plastic Cups

  • 1 Measuring Cup

  • 360 mL Distilled White Vinegar

  • 40 mL Water (to dilute the vinegar)

  • 1 Measuring Tablespoon

  • 1 Stopwatch/Timer (to track time)

  • Paper Towel

Estimated cost: Activity leaders can expect to incur less than $40.00 (excluding optional items) in materials costs when completing this activity with 32 students organized into teams of four students.