Stay Safe Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Stay Safe Stay Informed
Fentanyl Awareness & Safety Briefing
Duration
25 MIN
Audience
5th - 6th Grade
Approach
Inquiry & Game-Based
Objective
Identify fentanyl risks & safety
Why This Matters
Equips students with factual knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid dangerous substances in an era where synthetic opioids are a public health concern.
Materials
Instructional Slides (includes video)
Fentanyl Facts and Myths Cards
Fentanyl Facts Worksheet
Fentanyl Awareness Check (Exit Ticket)
Teacher Tip
This is a sensitive topic. Maintain a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Focus on health and safety rather than fear-based tactics.
Lesson Flow
3 min
The Safety Alert (Intro)
Briefly introduce fentanyl as a powerful drug that is often hidden. Explain that today is about becoming "Safety Detectives" by learning the facts to protect ourselves and others.
8 min
Inside the Science (Video)
Watch "What Causes Opioid Addiction, and Why is it So Tough to Combat?" . Prompt students to listen for: What are opioids? How do they affect the brain? Why is fentanyl different?
7 min
Fact vs. Myth Sort
In small groups, students sort the provided cards. Discuss findings: Focus on how fentanyl can look like other pills or candy, making "Never Take Unknown Pills" the #1 rule.
5 min
Safety Briefing (Worksheet)
Students individually complete the Fentanyl Facts Worksheet. Walk around to address misconceptions or anxiety regarding the topic.
2 min
Mission Check (Exit Ticket)
Quick individual assessment to gauge if students understand the primary danger and the most important safety action.
End of Session Safety Briefing
Stay Safe Presentation Slides Safety Briefing
Stay Safe,
Stay Informed
Understanding Fentanyl Awareness
5th & 6th Grade
Knowledge is Protection
Today we are learning about Fentanyl.
Some drugs are hard to see and very dangerous. By learning the facts, you can keep yourself and your friends safe.
Our Goal
Become a "Safety Detective" who knows how to spot danger and make smart choices.
Investigation: How it Works
Video Analysis
Embedded media
01
What are opioids?
02
How do they affect the brain?
03
Why is addiction so tough?
What makes Fentanyl different?
Incredible Strength
Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Even a tiny amount—like a few grains of salt—can be deadly.
The Great Disguise
It is often mixed with other drugs or pressed into pills that look exactly like medicine or even candy. You cannot tell by looking at it.
CHALLENGE: Fact or Myth?
In your groups, look at the cards. Discuss which ones are TRUE and which ones are FALSE. Be ready to explain why!
FACT
MYTH
Safety Rule #1
ONLY TAKE PILLS
FROM A TRUSTED
Never take something if you don't know exactly what it is.
Mission Complete
Now, it's time to record what we've learned in your Safety Briefing Worksheet .
Work individually to complete the questions.
Raise your hand if you have questions!
Stay Safe Worksheet Fentanyl Facts
Safety Briefing Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Complete the following questions based on today's video and class discussion. Use your best safety detective skills!
1
What is fentanyl?
2
Why is fentanyl dangerous?
3
Name one way to stay safe from fentanyl.
4
What should you do if you suspect someone has taken fentanyl?
Safety Knowledge Certified
Stay Safe Sorting Cards Fact vs. Myth Sort
Safety Detective Activity
Instructions: Cut out the cards below. Work with your group to sort them into two piles: FACTS and MYTHS .
"Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine."
"You can easily tell if a pill contains fentanyl by smelling it or checking its color."
"An amount of fentanyl as small as two grains of salt can be deadly to a person."
"If a pill is shaped like a gummy bear or a colorful candy, it must be safe to eat."
"Illegal labs often hide fentanyl in other pills that look exactly like real medicine."
"Fentanyl is only dangerous if you take it many times in a row."
"The only safe way to take medicine is if it's given to you by a doctor, nurse, or your parent."
"It is safe to try a pill a friend found, as long as they say they know what it is."
Teacher Answer Key: Facts: 1, 3, 5, 7 | Myths: 2, 4, 6, 8
Stay Safe Exit Ticket Mission Check
Fentanyl Awareness Exit Ticket
Quick Check
Name
Date
1. List one NEW fact you learned about fentanyl today:
2. What is the #1 rule for staying safe from unknown pills?
3. How comfortable do you feel asking a trusted adult for help?
Not Very
1
2
3
4
5
Very
Mission Check
Fentanyl Awareness Exit Ticket
Name
Date
