Overview
In this lesson, students learn facts about tobacco and alcohol and consider reasons to be tobacco and alcohol free. With a partner, they research ways tobacco and alcohol hurt the body and other negative consequences of use. Then they work in teams to brainstorm a top 10 list of reasons to stay away from tobacco and alcohol use, including the benefits of being tobacco and alcohol free, ways these drugs can hurt the body and ways drug use can hurt social relationships and others around them. They discuss and synthesize their team lists into a classroom list that they can share with others.
Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Identify short- and long-term effects of tobacco and alcohol use.
- Explain the dangers of experimenting with tobacco and alcohol.
- Describe the benefits of not using tobacco and alcohol.
- Explain that tobacco use is an addiction.
- Access sources of accurate health information about tobacco and alcohol.
- Support peers in choosing to be tobacco and alcohol free.
Time: Two 45-minute sessions
Healthy Behavior Outcomes
- AOD-3: Avoid the use of alcohol.
- AOD-8: Support others to be alcohol and other drug free.
- T-1: Avoid using (or experimenting with) any form of tobacco.
- T-4: Support others to be tobacco free.
National Health Education Standards
- Standard 1: Comprehending Concepts
- Performance Indicator 1.5.1: Describe the relationship between healthy behaviors and personal health.
- Standard 3: Accessing Resources
- Performance Indicator 3.5.1: Identify characteristics of valid health information, products, and services.
- Performance Indicator 3.5.2: Locate resources from home, school, and community that provide valid health information.
- Standard 8: Advocacy
- Performance Indicator 8.5.1: Express opinions and give accurate information about health issues.
- Performance Indicator 8.5.2: Encourage others to make positive health choices.
