Social Media Impact

Grade: 5

Subject: Health
Duration: 70 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Location focus: Nunavut Territory
Curriculum Reference: Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum, Grade 4-6, Overall Expectations:

• B1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of factors that contribute to the health of self, others, and the environment.
• B2.2 Demonstrate an understanding of how media influences health and wellbeing.
• B1.3 Identify behaviours that promote positive interactions with others.

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Learning Goals

By the end of this lesson:

• Students will understand positive and negative effects of social media on children's behaviour, especially relevant to Nunavut.
• Students will recognise how social media influences emotions, friendships, and daily habits.
• Students will learn strategies to use social media responsibly and positively.

Success Criteria

• I can explain at least two positive and two negative effects of social media.
• I can describe how social media can affect children’s behaviour in Nunavut.
• I can suggest ways to use social media that support my wellbeing and positive relationships.

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Curriculum Alignment

Curriculum Expectation	Description
B1.1	Understand factors shaping health of self and others.
B2.2	Understand media’s role in health and wellbeing.
B1.3	Identify behaviours promoting positive social interactions.

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Materials Needed

• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers
• Social media scenarios cards (pre-made with examples relevant to Nunavut children)
• Tablets/laptops (optional)
• Printed reflection sheets for students
• Projector for video clip

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction and Engagement (10 minutes)

• Hook: Show a short video (2-3 minutes) with kids from Nunavut talking about social media and their experiences (e.g., positive connections, challenges).
• Class discussion: Ask students: "What do you think are some good and bad parts of using social media?"
• Record answers visibly on chart paper under two headings: Positive and Negative.
• "I can" Statement: I can share what I already know about social media and its effects.

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2. Teaching and Modelling (15 minutes)

• Introduce the concept: Positive and negative effects of social media on children's behaviour.
• Focus on social, emotional, and behavioural impacts relevant to Nunavut children (e.g., community connection, cyberbullying, screen time affecting sleep).
• Present 4-6 social media scenarios on cards related to typical experiences (including some Nunavut cultural aspects). Examples:
  • Positive: Using social media to keep in touch with family in remote communities.
  • Negative: Feeling left out when friends post pictures from events you weren’t invited to.
• Model thinking aloud by sorting each scenario as positive or negative impact and explaining why.
• Success Criteria: I can identify and explain effects of social media from real-life examples.
• "I can" Statement: I can describe how social media can affect me and my friends.

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3. Collaborative Activity (20 minutes)

• Divide class into 4 groups (5 students each).
• Each group receives 2 social media scenario cards (distinct from examples shared).
• Task: Discuss in their group whether the scenarios show positive or negative effects, impacts on behaviour, and suggest one way to respond positively.
• Each group records their ideas and presents them briefly.
• Teacher facilitates by guiding groups to think inclusively about Nunavut culture and environment.
• Differentiation:
  • Provide sentence starters for students who need language support (e.g., "This is positive because...", "One way to respond is...").
  • Groups with stronger readers can help peers read scenarios aloud.
  • Visual supports for ELL learners (symbols for positive/negative, emotion faces).
• Success Criteria: I can work with others to analyse social media examples and create positive solutions.
• "I can" Statement: I can work with my group to understand social media’s effects and find ways to be responsible users.

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4. Individual Reflection and Connection to Wellbeing (15 minutes)

• Distribute reflection sheets with prompts:
  • Name two positive effects of social media you have experienced or heard about.
  • Name two negative effects that you think are important to be aware of.
  • Write one thing you will do differently when using social media.
• Let students reflect quietly and write or draw their responses.
• Share some reflections aloud voluntarily to encourage open discussion.
• Link reflections to wellbeing habits and respectful use of technology.
• Success Criteria: I can express my own ideas and make a plan for using social media responsibly.
• "I can" Statement: I can think about my social media use and make choices that help me and my community.

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5. Conclusion and Exit Ticket (10 minutes)

• Summarize key points: social media can help us connect but also affect how we feel and behave.
• Revisit success criteria and ask students to raise hands if they achieved each "I can" statement.
• Exit ticket prompt on small slips: Write one positive and one negative effect of social media you remember.
• Collect exit tickets for quick assessment.

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Assessment Strategies

• Observation during group discussions (check understanding and participation).
• Reflection sheets as formative assessment of individual comprehension and attitudes.
• Exit tickets to gauge retention of key lesson ideas.

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Extensions and Home Connections

• Suggest students discuss with their families how they use social media and share lesson learnings.
• Encourage keeping a “media diary” for a day, noting positive and negative feelings after use.
• For deeper exploration: Investigate how Inuit culture and traditional storytelling relate to modern online communication.

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Teacher Notes on Differentiation

• For Diverse Learners: Use flexible groupings; visual and oral supports; allow alternative expression modes (drawing, verbal).
• For Students with Learning Difficulties: Provide extra time, simplified language scenarios, and scaffolded prompts.
• For Advanced Learners: Challenge to create their own social media scenarios or digital posters promoting positive use.

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By integrating cultural relevance, interactive activities, and critical thinking aligned to Ontario’s curriculum, this lesson empowers students in Nunavut to navigate social media thoughtfully and responsibly.