Lesson Plan
Hidden Hazards Framework
Students will explore lesser-known risks in everyday substances and develop informed, prevention-minded choices by identifying at least three hidden hazards, analyzing real-world case studies, and reflecting on strategies to communicate and mitigate risks.
This lesson builds critical health literacy by uncovering unexpected substance risks, equipping 7th graders with analysis and prevention skills to make safer decisions and influence peers positively.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
75 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentation, case analysis, group discussion, and personal reflection.
Materials
Beneath the Surface, - Case Studies of Unexpected Outcomes, - Share What Surprised You, - Takeaway Reflection, - Whiteboard and Markers, - Projector and Screen, and - Sticky Notes or Index Cards
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Beneath the Surface slide deck for flow and key talking points.
- Print enough copies of Case Studies of Unexpected Outcomes for each student.
- Print or duplicate the Share What Surprised You discussion prompts and Takeaway Reflection handouts.
- Set up the projector, screen, and whiteboard; place sticky notes or index cards at each desk.
Step 1
Hook & Overview
10 minutes
- Pose a surprising question: “What if something as harmless as soap could pose hidden dangers?”
- Introduce lesson objective and reference the Hidden Hazards Framework.
- Write key terms on the board: hazard, prevention, risk factor.
Step 2
Interactive Presentation
20 minutes
- Launch the Beneath the Surface slide deck.
- Present examples of hidden risks in common substances (e.g., e-cigarette flavorings, household cleaners).
- Ask students to jot surprising facts on sticky notes and post on the board.
Step 3
Case Study Analysis
15 minutes
- Distribute Case Studies of Unexpected Outcomes.
- Students work in pairs to read and identify: 1) the hidden hazard, 2) real-world outcome, and 3) lessons learned.
- Pairs record findings on note paper for sharing.
Step 4
Group Discussion
15 minutes
- Organize students into small groups of 3–4.
- Provide Share What Surprised You prompts.
- Groups discuss their top three surprising hazards and propose quick prevention tips.
- One spokesperson from each group shares highlights with the class.
Step 5
Reflection & Takeaway
15 minutes
- Hand out Takeaway Reflection.
- Students individually write: 1) one new prevention strategy for each identified hazard, and 2) one way to share this information with peers.
- Invite volunteers to read reflections; collect handouts for assessment.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Beneath the Surface: Uncovering Hidden Dangers
An interactive look at the surprising risks in everyday substances and how to prevent harm.
Welcome students! Today we’re diving “beneath the surface” to uncover hidden dangers in items we use every day. Introduce the title and explain that some substances carry unexpected risks. Prompt: “What hidden risk can you think of in something you use at home?”
What Is a Hidden Hazard?
A hidden hazard is any risk or harmful effect in a common product or substance that isn’t immediately obvious.
• It may come from ingredients, byproducts, or misuse.
• Often overlooked because products seem harmless.
Define key term “hidden hazard.” Emphasize that hazards may not be obvious from packaging or marketing. Write “hidden hazard” on board and ask for examples.
Example 1: E-Cigarette Flavorings
Diacetyl is a flavor chemical linked to serious lung damage (“popcorn lung”).
• Often found in sweet or buttery e-liquid flavors.
• Inhalation over time can scar lung tissue.
Introduce diacetyl, used for buttery flavor in e-cigarettes. Explain “popcorn lung” (bronchiolitis obliterans). Show image of e-liquid bottle. Ask: “Would you expect this risk?”
Example 2: Household Cleaners
Mixing bleach and ammonia creates chloramine gas—a toxic irritant.
• Can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Always read labels and never combine products.
Talk through bleach + ammonia reaction producing chloramine gas. Show photo of mixing cleaners. Ask: “Who has mixed cleaners at home?”
Example 3: Over-the-Counter Medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe at correct doses but can cause liver failure if overdosed.
• Many cold/flu formulas also contain acetaminophen.
• Always track total daily dose.
Explain how acetaminophen overdose can harm the liver. Mention recommended daily limits. Ask: “Why might someone accidentally take too much?”
Sticky-Note Activity
- Pick one hidden hazard from the examples.
- Write a surprising fact on a sticky note.
- Post it on our “Hidden Hazards” board.
Introduce the sticky-note activity. Distribute sticky notes and markers. Direct students to choose one hidden hazard and write one surprising fact they learned. Then post on board.
Prevention Strategies
• Read ingredient labels carefully.
• Never mix cleaning products.
• Track medication dosages.
• Ask questions: “Could there be a hidden risk?”
Review student notes on the board. Summarize quick prevention tips for each hazard. Ask volunteers to share one tip from their group.
Reflection & Next Steps
- Write one prevention strategy you will practice.
- Describe one way you’ll share these hidden dangers with someone else.
Explain reflection handout distribution. Instruct students to write one new prevention strategy they’ll use and one way they’ll share this info with friends or family.
Reading
Case Studies of Unexpected Outcomes
Explore these real-world stories to understand hidden hazards, their impacts, and how prevention could have made a difference.
Case Study 1: “Popcorn Lung” and E-Cigarette Flavorings
Background: Jessica, a 16-year-old high school student, began using buttery-flavored e-cigarettes with her friends. Over six months, she noticed increasing shortness of breath and persistent coughing.
What Happened: Medical tests revealed bronchiolitis obliterans—known as “popcorn lung”—caused by inhaling diacetyl, a buttery flavoring chemical.
Key Lessons:
• Diacetyl isn’t always listed clearly on e-liquid labels.
• Inhalation risks can be severe and permanent.
Questions for Analysis
- What was the hidden hazard in this case?
- How did the real-world outcome differ from Jessica’s expectations?
- What prevention strategies could Jessica or her peers have used?
Case Study 2: Chloramine Gas from Mixing Cleaners
Background: Mr. Alvarez mixed bleach and ammonia cleaners while rushing to clean his bathroom. He immediately experienced chest tightness and dizziness.
What Happened: The chemical reaction released chloramine gas, causing respiratory irritation that required a trip to the emergency room.
Key Lessons:
• Labels often warn “Do not mix,” but consumers overlook them.
• Even small amounts can create toxic gas quickly.
Questions for Analysis
- Identify the hidden risk in Mr. Alvarez’s cleaning routine.
- Why did the outcome surprise him?
- List two safe cleaning practices to prevent this hazard.
Case Study 3: Accidental Acetaminophen Overdose
Background: During flu season, 12-year-old Mia took both cold syrup and pain relief tablets. Each contained acetaminophen, and she exceeded the recommended daily dose without realizing it.
What Happened: Mia developed liver inflammation and spent days in the hospital recovering from acute liver toxicity.
Key Lessons:
• Over-the-counter medicines can have the same active ingredient under different names.
• Tracking total daily intake is critical.
Questions for Analysis
- What made this risk “hidden” to Mia and her family?
- How might packaging or marketing contribute to confusion?
- What steps can someone take to avoid dosing mistakes?
Case Study 4: BPA Exposure from Reheated Plastics
Background: Carlos often microwaved leftover soup in single-use plastic containers to save time. Over months, he experienced headaches and digestive discomfort.
What Happened: Scientists linked his symptoms to low-level exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) leaching from heated plastics.
Key Lessons:
• BPA can migrate into food when plastics are heated.
• Long-term exposure may affect hormones and health.
Questions for Analysis
- Which everyday habit hid this chemical risk?
- Why aren’t dangers like BPA more obvious to consumers?
- Recommend two alternatives to reheating food in plastic.
Discussion
Share What Surprised You Discussion Guide
Purpose
This discussion helps you share and reflect on the hidden hazards you discovered, develop prevention ideas, and practice communicating health information with peers.
Instructions
- Form groups of 3–4 students.
- Appoint one spokesperson to share your group’s insights.
- Use your notes or sticky notes to guide discussion.
- Spend about 12 minutes discussing and 3 minutes sharing with the class.
Discussion Prompts
- Which hidden hazard surprised your group the most? Why?
- What quick prevention tip would you recommend for that hazard?
- How would you explain this hazard and your prevention tip to a friend or family member?
- What questions or concerns did this hazard raise for your group?
Follow-Up Points
- Look for common themes (e.g., reading labels, safe handling).
- Discuss how small hidden risks can lead to bigger health issues.
- Brainstorm one class-wide action to raise awareness of hidden hazards (poster, social media post, announcement).
Cool Down
Takeaway Reflection
Name: ________________________ Date: _______________
Today you’ve uncovered several hidden hazards in everyday products. Use this handout to plan how you’ll put prevention into practice and share what you’ve learned.
1. Prevention Strategies
For each hidden hazard you learned about, write one new prevention strategy you will personally use or recommend to others.
2. Sharing Your Knowledge
Choose one way you will share these hidden dangers and prevention tips with a friend, family member, or peer group. Describe what you will do and when.
Optional Reflection:
What surprised you most, and how might that change the way you approach everyday products?
When you’re finished, please hand this in or drop it in our reflection box for review.