A webquest for grades 9-12

Designed by Garett L. Kory

Neiko41@hotmail.com

There has recently been an outbreak of performance/health enhancing drugs that can be found over the counter in many nutrition stores. One in particular, has been the cause of injury or death among many athletes in recent months. Though there appears to be a clear and present danger involved in taking ephedra, many still find themselves risking their life in order to enhance athletic performance, or improve body image.

You’re either an athlete looking to enhance performance, or someone simply trying to look good and get in shape. One option you look into is ephedra. In researching ephedra, you should be able to find out what it is, who is using it, and when and why it has been banned. You will also provide a list of all athletes, professional and amateur, who have recently died from the use of ephedra.

1. In addition to investigating the history of ephedra, make a list of performance and weight loss enhancing drugs.

2. Using the internet sources provided, research ephedra. Find out where it can be found, its effects on the body (positive & negative), who is using it, when and why it has been banned, and who has recently died from its use (or suspected of dying from its use).

3. Analyze its contents and construct a theory as to how it can have an adverse effect on an individual who is using it. Provide supporting evidence.

Congratulations on the completion of the Ephedra webquest. As young adults participating in athletics, or who are just simply concerned with looking good, there is increased pressure as to how you look and how you perform in athletics. Many people give into this pressure by turning to drugs or other so called "enhancing" herbs to help them get an edge. For this reason I have assigned this webquest which I hope will bring to light some of the dangers of turning to ephedra or other enhancing drugs for gaining an extra edge in athletics or by increasing your body image. With that said, I encourage you to continue researching new "enhancing" health products and the adverse effects they could have on your body. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.