Substance Use Awareness

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is designed for a class of 30 students, split into small groups of 5, to explore substance use focusing on cannabis, alcohol, and smoking. The lesson integrates Health Education content from the California Health Education Content Standards (Grades 7-8), specifically addressing Standard 1: Essential Concepts About Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and Standard 3: Analyzing Influences. The primary goal is to empower students with knowledge about the effects of substances on the body, reasons behind use, prevention strategies, and support resources while engaging them creatively through a Public Service Announcement (PSA) poster project.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify the effects of cannabis, alcohol, and smoking on major organs (lungs, liver, brain, heart).
• Explain common reasons why people use substances and critically analyse influences (peers, media, stress).
• Describe ways to avoid and prevent substance use.
• Create a persuasive PSA poster including a catchy slogan to encourage prevention.
• Recognise outside resources available to individuals struggling with substance use.

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Standards Alignment

• California Health Education Content Standards (Grades 7-8):
  • 1.5: Identify the short- and long-term effects of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs on body systems.
  • 1.6: Describe behaviours that promote healthy mental, emotional, social, and physical health in relation to substance use.
  • 3.3: Demonstrate refusal skills and strategies to avoid or reduce health risks, including substance use.
  • 3.7: Identify sources of valid health information and resources for people with substance-use problems.

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Materials

• Chart paper or poster boards (one per group)
• Markers, coloured pencils, glue, magazines for cut-outs
• Printed organ diagrams (lungs, liver, heart, brain) with space to label
• Fact sheets on cannabis, alcohol, and smoking (effects and statistics)
• Resource cards listing local and national support services (e.g., youth helplines, counselling centres)
• Timer
• Projection device to show brief videos or images (optional)

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Lesson Breakdown

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage: Begin with a brief whole-class brainstorm: "Why do some people try cannabis, alcohol, or smoking?" Write answers on the board without judgement. Possible reasons: peer pressure, stress relief, curiosity, media influence.
• Direct Teaching: Introduce the lesson purpose: understanding substance effects, prevention, and supporting those who need help. Briefly discuss the importance of making informed decisions and respecting others’ experiences.

Organ Impact Activity (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into groups of 5. Give each group a large organ diagram and fact sheets.
• Groups label the organs and write/draw the effects of cannabis, alcohol, and smoking on each organ using facts from their sheets.
• Encourage students to highlight key dangers like impaired lung function, liver disease, memory problems, or heart issues.

Influences & Prevention Discussion (10 minutes)

• Return to whole-class format. Ask groups to share one reason why people take substances and a prevention strategy (e.g., seeking healthier coping mechanisms, refusal skills).
• Facilitate a mini-discussion on how environment, emotions, and advertising influence choices.

PSA Poster Creation (20 minutes)

• Each group designs a PSA poster focusing on:
  • Substance harms (with organ effects integrated visually).
  • Why people might start using substances (acknowledge honesty and empathy).
  • Prevention tips and healthy alternatives.
  • Include a catchy slogan (example starter: "Choose Life—Stay Bright, Stay Right!")
  • List 2-3 local/national resources for help.
• Encourage creative use of images, colours, and slogans to make the message clear and memorable.

Gallery Walk & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Groups display posters around the room.
• Students walk around, viewing each poster and leaving positive feedback or suggestions on sticky notes. Optionally, vote on the most compelling slogan or design.

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Assessment & Reflection

• Observe group participation and use of factual information during discussions and activities.
• Review posters for accuracy, clarity in communication, and inclusion of all lesson elements.
• Facilitator-led debrief: Ask students what surprised them, and what new ideas they learned about preventing substance use.

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Extensions & Enrichment

• Invite a local health professional or counsellor for a Q&A session on substance use.
• Create a digital version of the PSA for display on school media boards or social platforms (with appropriate permissions).
• Connect to mental health units by exploring stress management strategies as alternatives to substance use.

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Notes for Teachers

• Maintain a supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere throughout the lesson, acknowledging the sensitive nature of substance use.
• Use age-appropriate language and content, considering middle school students (CA grades 7-8).
• Reinforce students’ agency and decision-making skills.
• Emphasise confidentiality regarding personal disclosures.

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This lesson not only cultivates critical health knowledge but also charitable empathy and active creativity, promoting lifelong informed choices aligned with California’s health education goals.