This document provides instructions for an activity comparing brain images from PET scans of a normal, drug-free brain and the brain of a cocaine addict. Students will color-code numbered areas on images based on the level of activity seen in the PET scans, with red and yellow indicating highest activity. Doing this activity allows students to visually see how drug use diminishes brain activity over time in the regions associated with reward and pleasure.

1. Print-and-Go™
Module http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu
The New Science of Addiction:
Genetics and the Brain
Comparing Brain Images
Abstract Learning Objectives
A color-by-number comparison of PET scan images
Brain activity diminishes with drug use.
showing activity in a drug- free brain and the brain of
a cocaine addict. For use with PET images on the
Drugs Alter the Brain’s Reward Pathway page in The
New Science of Addiction: Genetics and The Brain
module on our website (url above).
Instructions
Logistics 1. Log on to The New Science of Addiction:
Genetics and the Brain module (url above) and
visit the Drugs Alter the Brain’s Reward Pathway
Time Required page.
2. Under the Changes Last Long After Use
Class Time: heading, click on the mouse graphic to
15 minutes alternate between PET images of a normal
functioning brain and the brain of a cocaine
Prep Time: addict.
10 minutes
3. Color the normal-functioning brain activity on
Materials page S-1 using the appropriate PET image as a
guide.
Student handouts, computers with internet access,
4. Color the brain activity of a cocaine addict on
colored pencils or crayons page S-1 using the appropriate PET image as a
guide.
Prior Knowledge Needed
Hint: The numbered areas in the brains on page S-1
None
correspond to the following colors:
Appropriate For: 1 = red
Primary Intermediate Secondary College 2 = yellow
3 = green
4 = light blue
5 = dark blue
Note: red and yellow indicate areas of high activity
Credits
Molly Malone, Genetic Science Learning Center
Brendan Nicholson, Genetic Science Learning Center (illustrations)
Funding
Funding for this module was provided by a Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award (SEDAPA) from the National
Institute on Drug Abuse, a component of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services.
© 2005 University of Utah This activity was downloaded from: http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/teachers

2. Name
Date Print-and-Go™
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu
Use the morphing PET images on: http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/drugs as a guide to color in the normal-functioning
brain and brain of a cocaine addict below.
Normal-functioning Brain Cocaine Addict
© 2005 University of Utah Permission granted for classroom use. S-1