Lesson 8.1: Substance Use and Decision-Making: Social Influences, Laws and Health
Students will explore why individuals may make decisions to use substances and the risks and harms of substance use. Students will also examine influences that affect decision-making about substance use, including government laws and rules and regulations about drug use.
This lesson is aligned with the following learning outcomes from the NL Grade 8 Health Curriculum:
1. To distinguish between facts and myths about drugs and alcohol.
2. To be aware of Canadian laws relating to the possession, use, and sale of alcohol and drugs.
3. To be aware of the dangers of combining alcohol and other drugs.
4. To distinguish between drug use, drug misuse, and drug abuse and drug dependence.
5. To understand some of the reasons for drug and alcohol use.
6. To identify sources of help and information for drug-dependent persons.
7. To have an appreciation of the role of drugs in our society.
8. To distinguish between prescription, non-prescription and illegal drugs.
9. To identify and promote alternative activities not involving alcohol or drugs.
10. To consider personal, societal, and familial values and influences with respect to the use of drugs and alcohol.
11. To be aware of the part that decision-making plays in drug use.
12. To understand some of the health-related implications of drug and alcohol use.
13. To be aware of how the media influences decisions regarding drug and alcohol use.
- To use the decision-making process to choose alternate courses of action when dealing with feelings.
Lesson Plan
Activities
Learning Activity 1: Understanding Substance Use Choices, Risks and Safety
Pre-Activity: Who Am I? -Teacher Presentation
Exploration Activity: Match UP!
Sharing & Reflection Activity
Learning Activity 2: Substance Use Safety – Understanding Rules, Regulations & Laws
Exploration Activity: Applying Rules and Laws – How Savvy Are You?
Infographic: Substance Use Laws in Canada
Sharing & Reflection Activity: Share an Experience OR Staying Safer
Students may choose one of the following reflection activities:
Learning Activity 3: Making Decisions
Activity: Quiz-Quiz Trade
Exploration Activity: Choices & Influential Factors
Scenario 1: Quinn & Taylor – Unregulated Cannabis Vape
Scenario 2: Morgan & Samira – Polysubstance Use (Alcohol & Methylphenidate)
Scenario 3: Lee & Riley – Unknown Substances (Cocaine & Fentanyl)
Scenario 4: Charlie & Jamie – Alcohol & Driving
Scenario 5: Kit & Brook – Cannabis & Driving
Scenario 6: Harper & Casey – Alcohol Drinking Challenge
Teacher Discussion Guide: Choices & Influential Factors
Infographic: Factors Influencing Decision-Making
Sharing & Reflection: Journalling
Substance Snapshots
Substance Snapshots aim to provide educators with knowledge surrounding specific substances, classes of substances, and methods of consumption. These documents are intended to support educators in their delivery of drug education. They are not for direct use by elementary students.