The Tucker Project Georgia

The Tucker Project

Street Smart: Problem-Based Learning Program for Middle Schools

Illicit Fentanyl: What it is and why it’s so dangerous

Illicit fentanyl, which is fentanyl sold illegally through laced counterfeit pills, nasal sprays, eye drops, candy, and even other illicit drugs, claims over 72,000 lives a year. The use of illicit fentanyl is becoming more and more common among teens. The goal of the Tucker Project is to help kids understand the dangers of illicit fentanyl, how to identify it when it’s presented, the signs of addiction, and how to navigate the road ahead with safety, confidence, and support from family and friends.

What is the Street Smart PBL Program?

Designed by middle school educators, the Street Smart PBL program is a two-day learning experience where students build understanding together through engaging and energizing activities and exploring specific obstacles, road blocks, and risks through their core classes such as social studies, english, math, science and health class.

Day 1: Understanding the Road Ahead
Street Smart Orientation	How can we protect ourselves and others from the dangers of illicit fentanyl and recognize obstacles that lead to its misuse? Introduction to fentanyl: Provide a brief overview of what fentanyl is, its origins, its medical uses, and its forms. The opioid crisis in the United States: Explain the opioid crisis, its causes, and its impact on communities, including the prevalence of opioid related deaths. Fentanyl trafficking and illegal use: Explore the illicit production, distribution, and use of fentanyl, including its trafficking routes, sources, and impact on communities.
Social Studies Lane	How have societal norms affected drug curiosity in teens, and what is your civic responsibility to your community to safeguard against them? Coffee shop discussion – Analyze – fill in the idea page with facts and ideas Synthesis – speed dating and adding to questions Discuss – Socratic Circle – questions will be drawn from a coffee cup for the students to answer
English Avenue	How can understanding what illicit fentanyl is and its risks help us protect ourselves and others from its dangers? Stories about victims News article explaining the crisis Blackout poetry
Math Boulevard	How can we apply mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills to analyze statistics on illicit fentanyl use and dosages, and apply the data to make responsible choices? The number of grams for a lethal dose Students will determine how many lethal doses are available in one kilo of fentanyl Analyze data on the increase in state overdose-related deaths
Science Street	What are the effects of fentanyl on the brain and how do they contribute to addiction? Label the parts of the brain and a nerve diagram Draw how the nerves respond to the drug with excessive release of dopamine Cognitive Challenge
Health Highway	What are the signs and symptoms of illicit fentanyl poisoning and how can understanding potential risks help us seek appropriate help? Self-medication vs. prescriptions Stress management Signs and symptoms of illicit fentanyl poisoning and what to do Role-play student-created scenarios

Day 2: The Street Smart Navigation System

Roadblocks Obstacle Course

Easy to set up obstacles and games for students to experience impairments during illicit fentanyl usage and the effect of social obstacles

Street Smart Street Talk

1st hour: Guest Speaker(s) will share personal experiences with illicit fentanyl usage and poisonings. It may be police personnel, a family member of a victim, medical personnel, or a person who has recovered from addiction.

2nd hour: Students explore stress/anxiety management strategies.

Getting Started with Street Smart PBL

This road may feel daunting, but you are not alone. Street Smart PBL is being implemented in middle schools across the country. Knowledge can save lives, and the task is worth the effort.

To prepare for the two-day launch, middle school educators will participate in professional learning at their districts. Educators will come together in a collaborative workshop to:

unpack the curriculum
build shared understanding
plan for program implementation of the materials by grade and subject matter
build a professional learning community to support students together

Supplemental asynchronous courses will be provided to support communication pathways for parents and students. To get your implementation started, and to find resources to inform parents and guardians, use the buttons below: