Lesson 7.1: Substance Use and Smart Choices
Students will examine information about different types of substances, including the potential harms and develop critical thinking skills to make safer decisions about substances.
This lesson is aligned with the following learning outcomes from the NL Grade 7 Health Curriculum:
1. To understand the meaning of self-concept and the factors that influence its formation
2. To understand how self-concept influences thoughts, feelings and behaviours
3. Explain how one event can illicit multiple perspectives
4. Identify and demonstrate communication skills during group activities
- Recognize the influence of peer groups
- To recognize the importance of a healthy attitude towards safety
- To be aware of unsafe practices that endanger the lives of young people and understand why these practices occur
- To be aware of individual responsibility with regard to safety and accident prevention
- To develop knowledge and skills necessary to participate safely in activities with potential risk
- To identify reasons why people choose to smoke or not to smoke
- To be aware of the immediate and long-term effects of cigarette smoking, both physical, social, and psychological
- To understand the influence of advertising on smoking behavior
- To use the decision-making model with regard to tobacco use
- To identify and practice refusal skills with regard to smoking
- To realize that alcohol is a drug that affects the body
- To consider the influence of the media on drinking
Lesson Plan
Activities
Learning Activity 1: Understanding Substances
True or False (Teacher Presentation):
This activity will enable teachers to get an understanding of students’ prior knowledge of substances. Students will indicate whether they agree or disagree with the statements presented.
Passport to Learning about Substance Use: [NOTE: The Passport will be used in all 3 learning activities]
Students will record their learnings and reflections here throughout the learning activities. Students may complete the activities in the Passport electronically or using a print copy of the booklet.
Learning Activity 2: Factors that Influence Substance Use: FACE-ing the Situation
Teacher Discussion Guide:
FACE Decision Making Model
Students will use the FACE Decision-Making Model to help guide their decision-making processes for each scenario.
Factors Influencing Decision Making
Students may find it helpful to refer to the Factors Influencing Decision-Making infographic as they work through this activity.
Learning Activity 3: A Balancing Act: Harm Reduction Hustle
Overconsumption of Substances: Fact or Fiction (Teacher Presentation)
Teachers may choose to present this activity as a Canva or Google Slides presentation.
Overconsumption Infographic
Teacher Discussion Guide: