GRADE 5: LESSON PLAN 1
Lesson 5.1: Understanding Drugs and Medications
Students will recognize trusted sources of information and support regarding drugs, and how to differentiate between categories of drugs (medical or non-medical, legal or illegal).
This lesson is aligned with the following learning outcomes from the NL Grade 5 Health Curriculum:
Drug Education
- Outline where and how to obtain accurate information regarding medicines.
- Understand that food/drink can affect the potency of certain drugs, thus the need to follow prescriptions accurately.
- Realize that alcohol is a drug (depressant).
- Identify some constructive activities to do instead of using substances.
- Discuss the reasons for laws on drugs and drug abuse.
Mental Health
- Identify personal interests, abilities and strengths.
- Understand the interrelationship of physical and mental heath, and general well-being.
Relationships
- Apply the decision-making process to daily activities.
- Outline some personal and peer problems and plan how to deal with them.
Learning Activities
The following activities are designed to support the delivery of this lesson and help reinforce key concepts. Some activities are available in multiple formats to offer flexibility and accommodate teacher or student preferences.
- Learning Activity 1: Using Medications: Why and How?
- Part A: Is This a Drug?
Students will categorize examples as prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or neither.
- Part B: What Should We Know When Taking Medication?
Students will examine medication labels to identify key information and instructions.
- Part C: Making the Safest Decision!
Students will read various situations related to safer use of medication and determine the safest choice to make. They will then use the “Find Someone Who” card to discuss prompts with their peers.
- Exit Reflection Card: Using Medications: When and How?
Students will reflect on what they have learned about using medications safely.
- Learning Activity 2: Drug Categories: Legal or Illegal? Medical or Non-Medical?
- Do You Agree or Disagree?
Students will complete the “Before” section to reflect on their initial understanding. They’ll revisit it later to correct any misconceptions.
- Drug Categories Infographic:
Use and discuss the Drug Categories Infographic to help guide discussion on and define the different categories.
- Exploration Activity: Drug Categories
This activity presents various situations that students must sort into drug categories (medical, non-medical, legal, or illegal).
- Exit Reflection Card: Drug Safety
Students will reflect on what they learned about taking medications safely.
- Quiz Time! Medication Safety
The Medication Safety Quiz can be used to assess students’ understanding of safety around medications.
These resources may help support the delivery of the lesson plan and learning activities:
Educational Materials
The relevant Educational Materials for this lesson are referenced throughout the lesson plan; additional ones are available here.
Substance Snapshots
Relevant Substance Snapshots are noted in the lesson plan; more may be accessed here.