This materials development project, the Science of Alcoholism Curriculum for American Indians (SACAI), is designed to fill a gap in current curricula by developing an innovative alcohol education component for science classrooms in largely Native American schools. SACAI proposes to address the need for improved instruction and science based information about alcohol, teaching the science of alcoholism in fourth through ninth grade science programs. SACAI will integrate the latest research findings about the role played by genetics, biochemistry, and the interaction of these with environmental factors with traditional and culturally relevant approaches utilizing science-based experiments, statistical research and instruction which develops critical thinking. SACAI is premised upon three important unique principles: 1) the importance of using a science base for American Indian students in alcohol education, 2) the necessity of including traditional cultural elements and culturally relevant materials and approaches in this alcohol education, and 3) the importance of integrating these ineffective education efforts.
