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Substance Savvy: Making Smart Choices

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Lesson Plan

Substance Savvy Lesson Plan

Students will analyze the effects of substance use, engage in critical discussions, and develop healthy decision-making strategies related to substance use.

Understanding substance use impacts students' health and decision-making, empowering them to navigate peer pressure and make choices that support long-term well-being.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Mix of discussion, activities, and reflection.

Materials

Substance Effects Infographic, and Interactive Discussion Slides

Prep

Lesson Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Engagement

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief overview of the session objectives.
  • Ask students what they already know about substances to activate prior knowledge.
  • Introduce the topic using the Substance Effects Infographic.

Step 2

Interactive Discussion

25 minutes

  • Utilize the Interactive Discussion Slides to facilitate a guided discussion on the physical and mental effects of substances.
  • Encourage students to share thoughts on how substance use can affect daily life and future choices.
  • Pose critical thinking questions to prompt deeper analysis and personal reflection.

Step 3

Reflection & Wrap-Up

10 minutes

  • Have students individually reflect on what they've learned by writing a short response.
  • Invite a few volunteers to share their insights with the class.
  • Summarize key points and reinforce the importance of making healthy choices.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Substance Savvy

Today, we'll explore the effects substances can have on our bodies and minds and discuss how we can make smart, healthy choices.

Introduce the discussion and set the tone. Emphasize that this session is about understanding the impact of substances, not about judging those who might have used them. Encourage openness and curiosity.

What Are Substances?

Substances include everything from medicines to alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. They affect our body in different ways. Let's think about why people might use them.

Provide a brief explanation on what substances are, including legal and illegal varieties. Encourage students to think critically about why people might turn to substances.

Physical Effects

Substances can affect the brain, heart, lungs, and overall physical health. Examples include decreased coordination, altered heart rate, and long-term damage to vital organs.

Discuss how substances affect the body physically. Highlight immediate and long-term physical impacts. Ask students to share any concerns or facts they know about these effects.

Mental & Emotional Effects

Apart from physical impacts, substances can affect moods, feelings, and behavior. They might contribute to anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues.

Discuss the mental and emotional effects of substance use. Encourage reflections and questions about mood changes and behavior alterations due to substance use.

Interactive Discussion

How do you think substance use might affect a student's life and future choices? Share your thoughts and discuss with your peers.

Pose open-ended questions for class discussion. Remind students that there are no wrong answers.

Wrap-Up & Reflect

Let's reflect on what we've learned today about the effects of substances and think about ways to make healthy choices. What stood out to you most?

Summarize the key points from the discussion and encourage reflection.

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Worksheet

Substance Effects Infographic Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you engage with the Substance Effects Infographic. As you review the infographic, think about how different substances affect the body and mind. Answer the questions below with thoughtful responses based on what you see and learn.

1. Physical Effects of Substances

Identify three physical effects of substance use shown in the infographic. For each effect, explain briefly how it impacts the body.






2. Mental & Emotional Effects

Using the infographic as a reference, describe how substance use can influence mental and emotional health. Consider including examples and specific wording from the visual content.






3. Long-Term Impacts

Reflect on the long-term impacts of substance use as illustrated in the infographic. What are some potential consequences that affect overall well-being?






4. Real-Life Scenario

Imagine a scenario where the effects of a substance alter someone’s daily routine. Describe this situation, linking the infographic's data to real-life consequences.






Be sure to refer back to the infographic during your reflections to support your answers.

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