Grade 9: Lesson Plan 2
Lesson 9.2: Sexual Health and Substance Use
This lesson will address the connection between sexual health and substance use, with a focus on relationships and communication, the impact of substances on sexual health, the importance of consent and preparation, and strategies for responding if situations become unsafe.
This lesson is aligned with the following learning outcomes from the NL Grade 9 Health Indicators:
Healthy Relationships
- Recognize how sexual health and well-being can impact feelings and emotions.
- Demonstrate behaviour that illustrates understanding of consent.
Responsible Decision Making
- Evaluate how personal values and sense of self impact decision-making in relationships.
- Analyze effective decision-making skills associated with consent and sexual behaviours.
Nurturing Growth and Development
- Identify practices to promote a positive approach to sexual and reproductive health and well-being.
- Recognize risk reduction approaches to unintended pregnancy.
Managing My Health
- Analyze the procedures for accessing a variety of services in the health-care system.
Being Safe in All Environments
- Evaluate the importance of securing the safety and well-being of oneself and others.
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: Relationships and Communication Styles
- Introduction: Different Types of Relationships
This activity prompts students to consider and reflect on the relationships they observe and experience in their daily lives.
- Pre-Activity: Communication Styles
This activity will introduce students to the 5 different communication styles and encourage them to consider their own communication styles.
- Exploration Activity (Part 1): Assertive Communication
This activity will help students identify how to become more assertive in their communication.
- Exploration Activity (Part 2): FACE Scenarios
Infographics: FACE Decision-Making Model, Factors Influencing Decision-Making
Students may find it helpful to refer to the following infographics as they work through all of the FACE scenarios in this lesson plan.
Scenario 3: Maya and James: Balancing Relationships and Personal Values
- Sharing and Reflection: Communication and Relationships
Students will answer questions to reflect on what they learned about communication and relationships throughout this lesson.
- Learning Activity 2: Substances and Sexual Health
- Infographics: Substance Use and Sexual Health
Students may find it helpful to refer to the following infographic as they work through this Learning Activity.
- Pre-Activity: Myth/Fact
This activity explores the risks of substances commonly used in sexual contexts, helping students understand the potential harms involved.
- Exploration Activity (Part 1): Infographic Scavenger Hunt
Students will use the Substances and Sexual Health infographic to fill in the effects and risks of using substances during sexual activity.
- Exploration Activity (Part 2): FACE Scenarios
The following scenarios explore substance use within sexual relationships and apply the FACE decision-making model to guide reflection and discussion.
Scenario 4: Dakota and Cameron: Substance Use and Sexual Dysfunction
- Sharing and Reflection
This activity encourages students to reflect on the ways substance use can affect sexual health and to consider how they can apply their learning to make informed, healthy decisions in the future.
- Learning Activity 3: Consent and Being Prepared
- Introduction: Consent Videos
These videos explain consent in simple, age-appropriate ways and support class discussions on respect and healthy relationships.
- Exploration Activity (Part 1): Consent Stickers
Students will design stickers to act as PSAs to inform about consent.
- Infographic: Staying Safer Around Substances and Sexual Activity
Students may find it helpful to refer to the following infographic as they work through this Learning Activity.
- Exploration Activity (Part 2): FACE Scenarios
The following scenarios explore substance use within sexual relationships and apply the FACE decision-making model to guide reflection and discussion.
Scenario 7: Maria and Max: Consent and Complicated Boundaries
- Teacher Discussion Guide
The following scenarios explore substance use within sexual relationships and apply the FACE decision-making model to guide reflection and discussion.
- Sharing and Reflection: Share an Experience
Students will reflect on a past experience of giving consent or imagine a future situation where consent will be important.
- Learning Activity 4: What to Do if Things Go Wrong
- Pre-Activity: Protect Yourself from Sexual Violence
Students will learn about how they can protect themselves from sexual violence.
- Exploration Activity (Part 1): Personal Sexual Health Safety Plan
Students will develop a personal sexual health safety plan by listing items and strategies related to sexual health and substance use.
- Exploration Activity (Part 2): FACE Scenarios
Use the FACE decision-making model to explore substance use in sexual relationships. Note: This scenario includes themes of sexual assault.
- Sharing and Reflection: Choice Board
For their final reflection, students will choose an activity from the choice board and create a project that demonstrates what they have learned throughout the lesson.
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.