Lesson Plan
Choices on the Line Lesson Plan
Students will identify risks associated with drug and alcohol use, apply a structured decision-making model to real-life scenarios, and commit to supporting peers in making healthy choices.
Early awareness empowers students to recognize harmful behaviors, practice critical thinking, and build supportive peer relationships, reducing risk and promoting lifelong healthy decisions.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenarios, guided practice, and quick assessment.
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review relevant state health and wellness standards on substance abuse prevention.
- Print copies of Risk Scenarios Handout and Decision-Making Chart Worksheet.
- Display Drug and Alcohol Facts Posters around the room.
- Print and cut Peer Support Pledge Cards.
- Prepare the Choices Quick Quiz on devices or print handouts.
Step 1
Introduction and Objectives
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the topic of drug and alcohol awareness.
- Share lesson objectives: identifying risks, applying decision-making steps, and supporting peers.
- Activate prior knowledge: Ask "What factors influence the choices we make?" and discuss responses.
Step 2
Risk Scenarios Discussion
10 minutes
- Distribute Risk Scenarios Handout.
- Have students work in pairs to read each scenario and list potential health, legal, and social risks.
- Invite pairs to share one example; highlight common themes and real-world impact.
Step 3
Decision-Making Strategy Practice
8 minutes
- Explain the four-step decision-making model: Stop, Think, Act, Reflect.
- Hand out Decision-Making Chart Worksheet.
- Students choose a scenario from the handout and complete the chart applying each step.
Step 4
Peer Support Pledge
3 minutes
- Introduce Peer Support Pledge Cards.
- Ask each student to write one way they’ll help friends make safe choices.
- Invite a few volunteers to read their pledges aloud.
Step 5
Quick Quiz and Wrap-Up
4 minutes
- Administer the Choices Quick Quiz.
- Collect responses and review correct answers as a group.
- Summarize key takeaways and encourage students to use the decision-making model in real life.
Slide Deck
Choices on the Line
Drug & Alcohol Awareness
Grade 7 • 30 Minutes
Learn to recognize risks, make smart choices, and support friends.
Welcome students and introduce today’s lesson on drug and alcohol awareness. Explain that we’ll explore how substances can impact our health, decision-making, and friendships. Set a respectful tone and encourage open participation.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will:
- Identify health, legal, and social risks of substance use
- Apply the STOP–THINK–ACT–REFLECT decision model
- Commit to supporting peers in making safe choices
Display the three main objectives. Emphasize how each goal helps them make healthier choices and support friends.
What Influences Our Choices?
• Peer pressure and friends
• Feelings and stress
• Family and cultural values
• Media messages and ads
• Curiosity and consequences
Ask students: “What factors influence decisions you make every day?” Record answers on the board. Guide them toward factors like peer pressure, emotions, curiosity, family rules, and media.
Risk Scenarios Activity
- In pairs, read a scenario from the handout
- List possible health, legal, and social risks
- Be ready to share one risk with the class
Introduce the group activity. Distribute the Risk Scenarios Handout. Pair students. Instruct pairs to list health, legal, and social risks for each scenario.
Decision-Making Model
- STOP: Pause and recognize the choice
- THINK: Weigh options and outcomes
- ACT: Choose and carry out your decision
- REFLECT: Review what happened and why
Explain the four-step decision-making model. Show how each step builds on the last. Relate to real life – e.g., choosing after-school activities.
Apply the Model
• Choose one scenario from the handout
• Complete each step on the chart:
– What is the choice?
– Possible consequences?
– Your decision and action
– What you learned
Hand out the Decision-Making Chart Worksheet. Ask students to pick a scenario from their handout and fill out each model step. Circulate and offer guidance.
Peer Support Pledge
Write one action you’ll commit to:
“ I will ___________ to help friends make safe choices.”
Introduce the Peer Support Pledge. Pass out the cards. Ask students to write one way they’ll help friends make healthy choices. Invite a few students to share their pledges.
Choices Quick Quiz
Complete the short quiz:
- List one health risk of alcohol use
- Explain step 2 of the decision model
- Name one way to support a friend
Distribute or display the quick quiz. Explain that they have a few minutes to answer. Collect and review answers together. Reinforce correct responses.
Key Takeaways
• Recognize risks before you decide
• Use STOP–THINK–ACT–REFLECT for tough choices
• Support friends in making healthy decisions
You’ve got the tools—use them every day!
Summarize the key takeaways: risks, decision steps, peer support. Encourage students to apply STOP–THINK–ACT–REFLECT whenever they face tough choices.
Worksheet
Risk Scenarios Handout
Instructions: Work with a partner to read each scenario below. For each one, discuss and list possible health, legal, and social risks. Write your responses in the spaces provided.
Scenario 1:
You’re at a friend’s house party. Someone offers you a beer, saying “Everyone’s doing it—don’t be a buzzkill.” You’ve never tried alcohol before and you’re not sure what could happen if you say yes.
Health Risks:
Legal Risks:
Social Risks:
Scenario 2:
On the bus ride home, a classmate pulls out an e-cigarette and offers you a puff, telling you it’s “just water vapor.” You feel pressure to try it so you fit in.
Health Risks:
Legal Risks:
Social Risks:
Scenario 3:
At a sports practice, someone on your team suggests trying prescription pills that help you relax before a big game. They say it’ll make you perform better.
Health Risks:
Legal Risks:
Social Risks:
Scenario 4:
Your older cousin visits and brings marijuana to smoke in the backyard. They encourage you to join, saying it’s harmless and you won’t get caught.
Health Risks:
Legal Risks:
Social Risks:
Note: Be prepared to share one risk from any scenario with the class when asked.
Worksheet
Decision-Making Chart Worksheet
Instructions: Choose one scenario from the Risk Scenarios Handout and use the STOP–THINK–ACT–REFLECT model to guide your decision-making. Write your responses in the spaces provided.
1. STOP: Identify the Decision
What is the choice or situation you need to address?
2. THINK: Explore Options and Consequences
List two possible actions you could take and the potential outcomes for each.
Option 1:
Possible Outcome for Option 1:
Option 2:
Possible Outcome for Option 2:
3. ACT: Make Your Choice and Take Action
What did you decide to do, and how did you carry it out?
4. REFLECT: Review and Learn
What happened as a result of your decision? What did you learn, and would you choose differently next time? Explain your thoughts.
Activity
Peer Support Pledge Cards
Instructions: Write your name and date, then complete the pledge below. Keep this card as a personal reminder of how you’ll help friends make healthy choices.
Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________
My Peer Support Pledge
I will ____________________________________________________________
to help my friends make safe and healthy decisions.
When I see a friend facing pressure, I will:
One action I can take if I notice a friend in trouble is:
Keep your pledge visible—post it at home or carry it in your planner to remind yourself to be a supportive friend every day!