Grade 8: Lesson 1
Lesson 8.1: Substance Use and Decision-Making: Social Influences, Laws and Health
Nurturing Growth and Development
- Interpret the social influences of peers and media on decisions about substance use.
- Identify harm reduction strategies, resources, and information for substance use.
- Analyze the effects of substance use on health and well-being.
Responsible Decision-Making
- Apply a decision-making model to decisions on substance use and consent.
Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviours
- Acknowledge responsibility for personal behaviours.
- Illustrate how beliefs and values influence feelings and behaviours.
Being Safe in all Environments
- Develop strategies necessary to participate safely in activities at home, in school, and in the larger community.
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: Understanding Substances Use Choices, Risks and Safety
- Pre-Activity: Who Am I? -Teacher Presentation
This activity will engage students in a learning discussion about the different substances to be explored throughout the lesson.
- Exploration Activity: Match UP!
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.
- Sharing & Reflection Activity
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.
- Learning Activity 2: Substance Use Safety – Understanding Rules, Regulations & Laws
- Exploration Activity: Applying Rules and Laws – How Savvy Are You?
In each situation, students should consider how rules, regulations, and laws may influence their decision-making around substances and substance use.
- Infographic: Substance Use Laws in Canada
It is helpful to refer to the Substance Use Laws in Canada Infographic while working through this exploration activity.
- 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
This interactive activity will review students’ understanding of substances, related concepts, and the risks associated with consuming unknown substances.
- Exploration Activity: Choices & Influential Factors
Students will engage in conversations discussing scenarios which explore the influential factors related to making decisions about substance use.
Scenario 2: Morgan & Samira – Polysubstance Use (Alcohol & Methylphenidate)
Scenario 3: Lee & Riley – Unknown Substances (Cocaine & Fentanyl)
- Teacher Discussion Guide: Choices & Influential Factors
Provides teacher guidance for this activity.
- Infographic: Factors Influencing Decision-Making
Students may find it helpful to refer to the Factors Influencing Decision-Making Infographic as they work through this activity.
- Sharing & Reflection: Journalling
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.