Why do kids join gangs? Well, it's complicated...and simple at the same time. This course will exam how the neurobiology side of joining a street gang can be a function of brain development and adolescent childhood experiences. The course will also exam how being poor, young and a minority can impact brain development and the ability to function well in society as an adult.

Performance Objectives 1) Identify the side effects of puberty and how that effects kids behavior 2) Explain why teenagers are impulsive 3) Explore why a healthy growing up environment leads to healthy behaviors 4)Explain to another how street gangs can become a surrogate family