Introduction
In
order to make healthy, informed choices, it is important
that students have an accurate understanding of risks and
harms linked to alcohol and other drug use in adolescence.
If prepared, students can be their own best resource on
substance-use questions and have a strong influence on
themselves. Students are often skeptical of the information
they receive on this topic, so this session places the onus
on them, through group work, to gather, organize, and
design a presentation format for accurate
substance-specific information for their peers. It is often
said that the best way to learn is to have to teach it to
others. Students will need to translate their knowledge
into an education resource such as a pamphlet or poster and
present it to the class. Through this session, students
will develop a clearer understanding of the effects, risks,
and harms linked to the use of various substances and an
understanding of the challenges of presenting relevant,
accurate information for their peers.
This session will require three classes to complete: one to
introduce the task, form groups, and start the research
process; a second to continue the research and develop the
product; and a third to present the resource to the class.
Given that research and product design are distinct and
time-consuming tasks in their own right, students may
require a fourth class to complete the research and design.
If so, total time to deliver the grade 9 unit will be
extended from 6 hours to 6 hours, 45 minutes. If that
amount of time is available, no changes are required to the
rest of the unit. If it is not, consider dropping
Activity 9.4:
The
Party.
A
summary of the curriculum links, activity objectives, time
and preparation required, and the necessary materials can
be found by clicking here or on the Outcomes link in
this section.