Truth or Myth Lesson Plan Truth or Myth
Drug Edition: Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
High School Health & Wellness
Learning Objective
Students will be able to differentiate between common myths and scientific truths regarding drugs and their effects on the body and mind to promote informed decision-making.
Materials Needed
Truth or Myth Statement Cards
Digital Presentation (Slide Deck)
Exit Ticket Quizzes
Small prizes or "Fact Finder" stickers (optional)
Why This Matters
Misinformation about substance use is rampant in social media and peer circles. By actively debunking myths in a quiz-show format, students engage critically with the information rather than passively receiving a lecture, leading to better retention and real-world application.
Instructional Sequence
05 mins
The Hook: Fact vs. Fiction
Briefly discuss why accurate information matters when it comes to health. Explain that today, students are "Fact Detectives."
Introduce the quiz-show format.
Define "Myth" (a widely held but false belief) vs "Truth" (scientific fact).
Set expectations for respectful group discussion.
20 mins
Quiz-Show Face-Off
Divide students into small groups (3-4 per team). Distribute statement cards.
Gameplay Steps:
Teams pick a card and discuss whether the statement is Truth or Myth .
Groups "lock in" their answers simultaneously.
Teacher reveals the answer using the slide deck and provides the 1-minute scientific "Why."
Facilitation Tip: Ask students where they think these myths come from (movies, social media, friends).
05 mins
Debrief & Exit
Recap the top 3 most surprising facts from the game.
Distribute the 5-question Exit Ticket.
Remind students that "knowing the facts is the first step in staying safe."
Collect quizzes for assessment and follow-up in the next lesson.
Facilitation Pro-Tips
Manage the Energy
Keep the pace moving! Don't spend more than 2-3 minutes per card discussion to ensure you hit all statements.
Handling Sensitivity
If students share personal stories, redirect back to scientific facts and offer school counseling resources if needed.
Statement Cards Activity Statement Cards
Truth or Myth: Drug Edition Activity
Cut along dashed lines
Card 01
Marijuana is not addictive.
?
Card 02
Prescription drugs are always safe because a doctor gives them to you.
?
Card 03
Alcohol is less harmful than illegal drugs.
?
Card 04
Using drugs just once won't cause any long-term harm.
?
Card 05
All drugs have the exact same effects on everyone.
?
Wild Card
Write your own statement
Group Activity Instruction:
Have teams sort these into two piles: TRUTH or MYTH. Discuss as a class to reveal the reality behind each statement.
Exit Ticket Quiz Exit Ticket
TRUTH OR MYTH: DRUG EDITION
Name
Date
Circle the correct answer for each statement based on today's classroom discussion.
1
Is marijuana addictive?
Yes
No
2
Are prescription drugs always safe to use?
Yes
No
3
Is alcohol less harmful than other illegal drugs?
Yes
No
4
Can using drugs just once cause harm?
Yes
No
5
Do all drugs have the same effects on everyone?
Yes
No
Reflection
What is one thing you learned today that surprised you most? Explain why.
Exit Ticket Answer Key Answer Key
TRUTH OR MYTH: DRUG EDITION
Teacher Resource
Correct responses and brief scientific explanations for the Exit Ticket assessment.
1
Is marijuana addictive?
Yes
No
Reality: Marijuana can be addictive, especially with regular use. Research shows that 9% to 30% of those who use marijuana may develop some degree of marijuana use disorder.
2
Are prescription drugs always safe to use?
Yes
No
Reality: Prescription drugs can be harmful if misused, taken in ways other than prescribed, or taken by someone for whom they were not prescribed.
3
Is alcohol less harmful than other illegal drugs?
Yes
No
Reality: Alcohol can be just as harmful as other drugs. It is a leading cause of preventable death and can lead to organ damage, addiction, and risky behavior.
4
Can using drugs just once cause harm?
Yes
No
Reality: Even a single use of some drugs can lead to harmful physical effects, overdose, or dangerous interactions with other substances.
5
Do all drugs have the same effects on everyone?
Yes
No
Reality: Drugs affect individuals differently based on weight, biological sex, age, health status, and genetics.
Truth or Myth Slides Welcome to
Truth or Myth
Drug Edition
How to Play
1
Review the Statement Card with your team.
2
Discuss: Is it scientific TRUTH or a common MYTH?
3
Lock in your answer and prepare to defend your choice.
"Knowing the facts is the first step in staying safe."
Statement 01 Discussion Time: 2 Mins
"Marijuana is not addictive."
Truth
Myth
The Reality
It's a MYTH!
Marijuana can be addictive.
Research shows that 9% to 30% of those who use marijuana may develop marijuana use disorder.
For those who start before age 18, the risk of addiction is significantly higher.
Statement 02 Discussion Time: 2 Mins
"Prescription drugs are always safe because a doctor gives them to you."
Truth
Myth
The Reality
It's a MYTH!
Prescription drugs are safe only for the person intended and at the dose prescribed.
Misuse can lead to severe health consequences, addiction, or fatal overdose.
Taking someone else's prescription is dangerous and illegal.
Statement 03 Discussion Time: 2 Mins
"Alcohol is less harmful than other illegal drugs."
Truth
Myth
The Reality
It's a MYTH!
Alcohol is one of the most harmful substances globally.
It is a major cause of organ failure, cancer, and fatal accidents.
Legal status does not equal safety or lower health risks.
Statement 04 Discussion Time: 2 Mins
"Using drugs just once won't cause any harm."
Truth
Myth
The Reality
It's a MYTH!
A single use can have immediate and permanent consequences.
One-time use of certain drugs can lead to heart failure, stroke, or fatal overdose.
Many illegal drugs are now laced with Fentanyl, which can be lethal in tiny doses.
Statement 05 Discussion Time: 2 Mins
"All drugs have the same effects on everyone."
Truth
Myth
The Reality
It's a MYTH!
