Facilitator Guide Hidden Hazards Lesson Plan Hidden Hazards Exposed
Facilitator Guide
6th Grade
45 Minute Session
The Why
This lesson equips 6th graders with knowledge of substance harms, builds refusal skills, and promotes healthy alternatives, fostering informed, drug-free decision-making and resilience against peer pressure.
Prep & Materials
Review & Setup (10 mins)
Test projector/audio for Slide Deck
Print/Copy all worksheets & role-play cards
Cut out Myth/Fact and Role-Play cards
Designate "Four Corners" stations in room
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will:
• List 5 dangerous substances with an associated immediate risk.
• Demonstrate two I-statement refusals in role-play scenarios.
• Commit to three drug-free alternatives for coping and recreation.
Instructional Sequence
10'
Pre-Assessment & Norms
Survey: Distribute the 10-Item Likert Survey. Instruct students to answer honestly. Collect and set aside for post-assessment.
Norms: Establish safe-talk agreements (respect, confidentiality, no put-downs). Record on the board.
10'
Myth vs. Fact & Mini-Lesson
Instruction: Project Slide Deck. Review key points on brain development (frontal lobe) and short-term harms of substances.
Activity: In pairs, students sort Myth/Fact cards. Discuss common misconceptions as a class using the facilitator slides.
12'
Refusal Skills Modeling
I-Statements: Introduce the structure: "I feel [feeling], when you [situation], because [reason]. I need [need]."
Role-Play: Pairs pick 2 cards. Practice refusal using I-statements. Circulate using the 4-Point Rubric to provide live feedback.
6'
Drug-Free Alternatives
Four Corners: Label corners (Stress, Boredom, Peer Pressure, Sadness). Read scenarios. Students move to corners and brainstorm drug-free activities.
07'
Post-Assessment & Reflection
Post-Survey: Redistribute the Likert Survey. Collect upon completion.
Exit Ticket: Students complete the "Three Drug-Free Alternatives" ticket, listing commitments and a support person.
Lesson Material Checklist
• Slides: Hidden Hazards and Brain
• Quiz: 10-Item Pre/Post Survey
• Rubric: 4-Point Scoring System
• Worksheet: Myth vs Fact Cards
• Activity: Refusal Role-Play Cards
• Discussion: Four Corners Scenarios
• Journal: Three Alternatives Exit Ticket
Hidden Hazards Slides Deck Hidden Hazards
Exposed
Substances & Your Developing Brain
Safe-Talk Agreements
01
Respect each other’s ideas and experiences.
02
Maintain confidentiality—what's said here stays here.
03
No put-downs or teasing. Ask questions freely!
Our Mission Today
Identify Hazards
Name 5 dangerous substances and their immediate risks.
Practice Refusal
Use "I-Statements" to say no confidently and clearly.
Plan Alternatives
Choose 3 drug-free activities to try this month.
Your Brain:
Under Construction
The brain matures until your mid-20s.
The Frontal Lobe controls self-control and planning.
Substances disrupt learning and decision-making.
Developing Frontal Lobe
Immediate Hazards
Vapes
Nausea, coughing, lung irritation.
Alcohol
Impaired judgment & coordination.
Cannabis
Anxiety, memory issues, slow reaction.
Inhalants
Dizziness, loss of consciousness.
Pills
Unpredictable & dangerous reactions.
Myth vs. Fact
In pairs, sort your cards into two piles. Be ready to explain WHY it's a myth or a fact!
MYTH
FACT
Reality Check
Myth
"Vapes are just flavored water vapor."
Fact
Vapes contain nicotine, heavy metals, and chemicals that damage lungs.
Myth
"If it's natural, it can't be harmful."
Fact
Many natural things are toxic, especially to a brain that's still developing.
The Power of "I"
"I feel upset when you ask me to vape because I care about my lungs."
"I need you to respect my choice."
Use this to set boundaries clearly and respectfully.
Time to Practice
Pick Cards
Choose 2 role-play scenarios with your partner.
Use "I"
Follow the I-statement structure strictly.
Feedback
Score each other using the 4-point rubric.
Hidden Hazards Pre Post Survey Hidden Hazards
Substance Knowledge & Attitude Survey
Pre
Post
Confidential Research Tool
Student Name
Date
Instructions: Please read each statement carefully and circle the number that best describes your current knowledge, belief, or confidence. There are no right or wrong answers—be as honest as possible.
1 Strongly Disagree
2 Disagree
3 Agree
4 Strongly Agree
01
I can list 5 dangerous substances and one immediate harm of each.
1
2
3
4
02
I understand how substances affect my developing brain and decision-making.
1
2
3
4
03
I believe that using vapes is harmful for someone my age.
1
2
3
4
04
I feel confident saying “no” if someone offers me alcohol.
1
2
3
4
05
I feel confident using I-statements to refuse substances.
1
2
3
4
06
I know which trusted adult to talk to if I feel pressured.
1
2
3
4
07
I can identify 3 healthy activities to cope with stress or boredom.
1
2
3
4
08
I believe drug-free coping is important for my mental health.
1
2
3
4
09
I feel prepared to commit to 3 drug-free activities this month.
1
2
3
4
10
I understand that unprescribed pills can have unpredictable harms.
1
2
3
4
Unit: Hidden Hazards Exposed Tier 1 Prevention Form 10-LK
Hidden Hazards Role Play Rubric Role-Play Proficiency
4-Point Likert Scoring Rubric
Usage: Use this rubric to assess student performance during refusal-skills role-plays. Scores represent the student's ability to communicate boundaries clearly, respectfully, and confidently using the I-statement structure.
Criteria 4 - Exemplary 3 - Proficient 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning I-Statement Structure Fully follows structure: Feeling, Situation, Reason, and Need. Includes 3 of 4 components; minor omissions. Includes 1–2 components; structure is unclear. No recognizable I-statement structure. Clarity Message is very clear and easy to understand. Message is mostly clear; minor confusion. Message somewhat unclear; listener confused. Message is confusing or off-topic. Respect & Tone Consistently polite, respectful, and age-appropriate. Generally respectful with minimal lapses. Occasionally uses dismissive or curt language. Tone is rude, mocking, or inappropriate. Confidence Strong eye contact, posture, and steady volume. Moderate confidence; occasional hesitancy. Tentative delivery; low volume or minimal eye contact. Very hesitant; lacks presence or eye contact.
Proficiency Benchmarks
Exemplary Mastery 13–16
Proficient 9–12
Developing 5–8
Beginning 4
Observer Notes
Circle the level for each criterion during the role-play. Total the points to find the mastery level.
Assessment Resource • Hidden Hazards Exposed • Refusal Skills Module
Myth or Fact Substance Cards Worksheet Reality Check
Myth or Fact Substance Cards
Activity Code: SRC-10
Mission: 1. Carefully cut out each card along the dotted lines. 2. Work with your partner to sort them into "Myth" or "Fact" piles. 3. Write a brief reason why you placed it in that pile in the space provided.
CARD 01
"Alcohol helps you solve problems and relax without any risks."
Reasoning:
CARD 02
"Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination immediately, making walking or driving unsafe."
Reasoning:
CARD 03
"Vaping is just flavored water vapor, so it’s safe."
Reasoning:
CARD 04
"Vapes contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs and brain."
Reasoning:
CARD 05
"Cannabis is natural, so it can’t harm your body or brain."
Reasoning:
CARD 06
"Cannabis can slow reaction time, increase anxiety, and affect memory, especially in teens."
Reasoning:
CARD 07
"Sniffing household products is harmless and just makes you feel funny."
Reasoning:
CARD 08
"Inhaling chemicals can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, and severe brain damage."
Reasoning:
CARD 09
"Taking pills from a friend is safe if they don’t look harmful."
Reasoning:
CARD 10
"Unprescribed pills can have unpredictable side effects and are dangerous."
Reasoning:
Hidden Hazards Exposed Activity 6th Grade Prevention Science
Refusal Role Play Cards Activity Refusal Mastery
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Activity Code: RMS-08
REFUSAL KEY
I Feel... [your emotion] When You... [the specific action] Because... [the risk/your value]
I Need... [the boundary you are setting]
SCENARIO 01
Your friend offers you a vape in the school bathroom between classes.
SCENARIO 02
At a weekend party, someone hands you a cup of punch that they say contains alcohol.
SCENARIO 03
A classmate says, "Let's try these pills I got from my brother; they'll make the test easier."
SCENARIO 04
Your older cousin offers you a cannabis edible at a family gathering when no one is looking.
SCENARIO 05
During a study group, someone suggests sniffing markers for fun to see what happens.
SCENARIO 06
A friend at the skate park challenges you to drink alcohol to prove you're "brave."
SCENARIO 07
A peer offers you an unprescribed pill "to help you relax" after a stressful school day.
SCENARIO 08
Your social group asks you to vape salt crystals behind the gym on a dare.
Success Criteria: Use the 4-Point Rubric to give feedback on: Clarity, Respect, and Confidence. Switch roles after each scenario!
Four Corners Activity Worksheet Four Corners
Coping Strategy Brainstorm
Phase 04 Activity
Mission Objective
In response to real-life triggers, move to the corner that matches the emotion you'd feel most. Brainstorm 3 healthy, drug-free strategies to handle the situation.
Brainstorm Time
07:00
1
STRESS
Scenario: Huge math test tomorrow. Feeling totally overwhelmed and panicked.
What would you do to manage this stress without using substances?
2
BOREDOM
Scenario: Rainy weekend. Nothing to do. Scrolling phone and feeling restless.
How might you fill your time in a positive, active way?
3
PEER PRESSURE
Scenario: A friend teases you for not vaping with them at a party.
What refusal skills and alternatives could you use to stay in control?
4
SADNESS
Scenario: Feeling down and lonely after a big argument with a close friend.
What healthy ways can you lift your mood or find support?
Be Ready to Share One Idea with the Class
Hidden Hazards Exposed • Discussion Worksheet
Exit Ticket Three Drug Free Alternatives Journal Exit Ticket
Hidden Hazards Exposed Mastery
My 3 Drug-Free Alternatives
1
2
3
My Support Person
(A trusted adult or friend I can talk to if pressured)
How they can help me:
Reflection
Why is it important for me to choose drug-free activities and reach out for support?
Signed:
Commitment Card
