GRADE 8: LESSON 1

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Lesson 8.1: Substance Use and Decision-Making: Social Influences, Laws and Health

Students will explore why people use substances, the risks associated with them, and how factors such as government laws influence decision-making.

This lesson is aligned with the following learning outcomes from the NL Grade 8 Health Curriculum:

Drug Education

To distinguish between facts and myths about drugs and alcohol.
To be aware of Canadian laws relating to the possession, use, and sale of alcohol and drugs.
To be aware of the dangers of combining alcohol and other drugs.
To distinguish between drug use, drug misuse, and drug abuse and drug dependence.
To understand some of the reasons for drug and alcohol use.
To identify sources of help and information for drug-dependent persons.
To have an appreciation of the role of drugs in our society.
To distinguish between prescription, non-prescription and illegal drugs.
To identify and promote alternative activities not involving alcohol or drugs.
To consider personal, societal, and familial values and influences with respect to the use of drugs and alcohol.
To be aware of the part that decision-making plays in drug use.
To understand some of the health-related implications of drug and alcohol use.
To be aware of how the media influences decisions regarding drug and alcohol use.

Emotional and Social Well-Being

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.

This activity will engage students in a learning discussion about the different substances to be explored throughout the lesson.

This activity is designed to promote student discussion and strengthen understanding of concepts and terminology associated with substance use. Note: cards should be created in advance by the teacher.

Students will have the chance to reflect on what they learned so far about substances and substance use, and identify harm reduction strategies to make safer choices.

In each situation, students should consider how rules, regulations, and laws may influence their decision-making around substances and substance use.

It is helpful to refer to the Substance Use Laws in Canada Infographic while working through this exploration activity.

Students may choose one of the following reflection activities:

This interactive activity will review students’ understanding of substances, related concepts, and the risks associated with consuming unknown substances.

Students will engage in conversations discussing scenarios which explore the influential factors related to making decisions about substance use.

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

Provides teacher guidance for this activity.

Students may find it helpful to refer to the Factors Influencing Decision-Making Infographic as they work through this activity.

Students will reflect on and describe an experience where they had to make a decision which was challenging for them.

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.