Understanding Mental Illness links to Science

Understanding mental illnesses

Exploring understandings of mental health/illness - page 17

Introducing the Understanding Mental Illness unit - page 18

Language brainstorm - page 18

Understanding what we mean by mental illness - page 19

Mental illness - the facts (handout) - pages 20-22

Learning the language of mental illness (worksheet) - pages 23-24

Teacher Talk

Use the Understanding Mental Illness video with staff and/or parent groups.

There are no specific outcomes related to this KLA. However, the activities and sessions opposite would be useful in the classroom.

Communication

1. Understanding the complexity and power of language and data and their pivotal role in communication

Is aware of the ways in which language and data can be used for change or social control, exclusion or inclusion, equity or inequity.

Experiences of mental illness

Video - group discussion of section 1 - page 26

Homework - page 28

Video discussion sheet - page 29

Eating disorders (information) - pages 30-32

Depression (information) - pages 33-35

Anxiety disorders (information) - pages 36-38

Bipolar mood disorder (information) - pages 39-41

Schizophrenia (information) - pages 42-44

Teacher Talk

Work with Mental Illness Education Australia (MIEA) to invite guest speakers who have lived with a mental illness.

Life Systems

5.6 Applies theories and conceptual frameworks associated with evolution, biodiversity, genetics, and the cycling of energy and matter in biological and physiological systems.

Identity

1. Understanding self, group and others

Describes aspects of personal and group identity, eg cultural, behavioural, social, emotional and intellectual.