Below is the Introduction to Learning Theme One, as found in the
Curriculum Supplement. Read through the overview for
Learning Theme One.
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.
Learning Theme One 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.
Becoming Familiar with
the Activities
Using either your hard copy of the supplement or by
clicking on the Learning Theme One
link,
read through the time frame and the activities for this
learning theme.
Checking My
Understandings
This section is designed to ensure your familiarity with
Learning Theme One. Check your responses to these questions
before proceeding to the second Learning Theme.
- What high-risk
behaviours relate to alcohol, cannabis and other drug
use?
- What social costs are
related to harmful involvement alcohol, cannabis and
other drug use?
- In what ways can community-based services support the prevention and treatment of addictions?
All done? Please go to Learning Theme Two.