Lesson Plan
Game On Guide
Students will work in small teams to assess common substance use statements as true or myths, conduct quick research to find evidence, and track points to reinforce critical evaluation of health claims.
Engaging in a gamified myth-busting activity builds media literacy, promotes teamwork, and empowers students to make informed, healthy decisions about substance use.
Audience
11th Grade Small Groups
Time
35 Minutes
Approach
Gamified true/false research rounds with point-based tracking.
Materials
Myth Buster Boards, Truth or Trap Cards, Score & Source Tracker, Internet-Connected Devices (Tablets or Computers), and Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Preparation
10 Minutes
- Print and cut the Truth or Trap Cards.
- Print one Score & Source Tracker sheet per team.
- Load the Myth Buster Boards slide deck and preview statements.
- Ensure all devices have internet access for quick fact-checking.
- Review each myth statement and identify reliable evidence sources.
Step 1
Introduction
5 Minutes
- Welcome students and explain the goal: debunk substance use myths by researching evidence.
- Share scoring rules: 2 points for correct verdict with evidence, 1 point for verdict only.
- Establish ground rules for respectful collaboration and time management.
Step 2
Group Setup & Roles
3 Minutes
- Divide students into teams of 3–4 members.
- Distribute each team a set of Truth or Trap Cards, a Myth Buster Board, and a Score & Source Tracker.
- Assign roles: Researcher, Scribe, Presenter, Timekeeper.
Step 3
Gameplay Rounds
20 Minutes
- Teams draw one Truth or Trap Card at a time and place it on their board.
- Researcher uses devices to find credible evidence supporting or refuting the statement.
- Scribe logs the team’s verdict and evidence source on the Score & Source Tracker.
- Presenter announces the team’s decision and shares key evidence.
- Teacher awards points based on accuracy and evidence quality, tracking on the board.
- Repeat until time expires or all cards are used.
Step 4
Debrief & Reflection
7 Minutes
- Each team shares one myth they found most surprising and the evidence that changed their view.
- Discuss strategies for evaluating health claims and spotting misinformation.
- Highlight reliable research sources and encourage ongoing critical thinking about substance use information.
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Slide Deck
Myth Buster Boards
Welcome to the Myth Buster Boards!
These slides will guide your team through placing cards, researching facts, and tracking your scores.
• Draw a card each round
• Place it on your board
• Research to decide True or Trap
• Record your evidence and points
Welcome students to the Myth Buster Boards slide deck. Explain that each team will use these boards to place their Truth or Trap cards, record their verdicts, and track points.
How to Use Your Team Board
- Draw a Truth or Trap Card and place it in an empty slot.
- Research credible sources (websites, articles, studies).
- Decide: True (T) or Myth/Trap (F).
- Mark your verdict on the slot.
- Record the source and points on your Score Tracker.
Walk through each step slowly. Emphasize research and evidence over speed.
Team Board Template
| Round | Slot # | Statement | T | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [ ] | __________ | ☐ | ☐ |
| 2 | [ ] | __________ | ☐ | ☐ |
| 3 | [ ] | __________ | ☐ | ☐ |
| 4 | [ ] | __________ | ☐ | ☐ |
| 5 | [ ] | __________ | ☐ | ☐ |
This template slide can be printed or projected. Teams should have one board per group.
Score & Source Tracker
| Round | Statement | Verdict (T/F) | Evidence Source | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | _______________________________ | ________ | _____________________________ | __ |
| 2 | _______________________________ | ________ | _____________________________ | __ |
| 3 | _______________________________ | ________ | _____________________________ | __ |
| 4 | _______________________________ | ________ | _____________________________ | __ |
| 5 | _______________________________ | ________ | _____________________________ | __ |
Explain how to tally points based on verdict and evidence quality.
Example Round
Card Drawn: “Vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes.”
Verdict: Trap (False)
Evidence Source: CDC report on e-cigarette lung injury (2020)
Points Earned: 2
Key Takeaway: Always check reputable health agencies for up-to-date research.
Use this slide to model one full round. Encourage students to note how evidence supports the verdict.
Game
The Truth or Trap Cards set is ready! Each card includes a statement, the correct verdict (True or Trap), and a reliable source for quick reference. Use these in your small-group rounds to challenge students’ assumptions and guide their research.
Cards:
- Nicotine in e-cigarettes is just flavoring and not addictive. (Trap)
Source: CDC. Nicotine and E-Cigarettes Fact Sheet. - Mixing alcohol with energy drinks makes you less drunk. (Trap)
Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. - Secondhand vaping aerosol is harmless. (Trap)
Source: American Lung Association. - Medicinal marijuana doesn’t impair driving ability. (Trap)
Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. - Drinking alcohol can warm you up on a cold night. (Trap)
Source: Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. - Chewing tobacco is safer than smoking cigarettes. (Trap)
Source: CDC. Smokeless Tobacco Fact Sheet. - Shisha (hookah) smoke is filtered by water so it’s safer than cigarettes. (Trap)
Source: World Health Organization. - Prescription opioids are always safer than heroin. (Trap)
Source: National Institutes of Health. - Vaping helps you quit smoking more effectively than FDA-approved therapies. (Trap)
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. - Nicotine replacement therapy (patches or gum) is less addictive than cigarettes. (True)
Source: American Cancer Society.
Print and cut these cards so students can draw and research each statement quickly during the 20-minute gameplay rounds.
Worksheet
Score & Source Tracker
Use this worksheet to record each round’s statement, your team’s verdict (True / Trap), the evidence source you found, and the points you earn. Fill in one section for each round.
Round 1
Statement: ________________________________________________
Verdict (T / F): ________
Evidence Source (URL or citation): _________________________
Points Earned: ________
Round 2
Statement: ________________________________________________
Verdict (T / F): ________
Evidence Source (URL or citation): _________________________
Points Earned: ________
Round 3
Statement: ________________________________________________
Verdict (T / F): ________
Evidence Source (URL or citation): _________________________
Points Earned: ________
Round 4
Statement: ________________________________________________
Verdict (T / F): ________
Evidence Source (URL or citation): _________________________
Points Earned: ________
Round 5
Statement: ________________________________________________
Verdict (T / F): ________
Evidence Source (URL or citation): _________________________
Points Earned: ________
Good luck, teams! Keep your evidence citations clear to earn the full 2 points each round.