Substance Awareness

This lesson investigates the specific physical health consequences of vaping on the human body. Students collaborate to research respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological impacts, culminating in a group-led public health awareness campaign.

A fast-paced, 25-minute experiential session where students explore careers in out-of-school-time (OST) and health advocacy. In collaboration with an anti-vaping professional, students learn how to use play and game design to promote healthy choices and lead community-wide change.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the health risks of vaping, debunking common myths, and practicing refusal skills through real-world scenarios.

Covers human reproduction, pregnancy prevention, and STI awareness. Students analyze healthy boundaries, consent, and how early behaviors impact adult health outcomes.

Examines the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs on the body and social health. Students develop refusal skills and analyze how public regulations and personal choices influence risk behaviors.

Explores how nutrition and physical activity impact body systems and long-term health. Students analyze public health policies and the role of research in promoting physical wellness.

Focuses on stress management, relationship dynamics, and the interrelationship between mental, emotional, and social health. Students identify healthy vs. unhealthy relationship markers and analyze social influences on emotional well-being.

Students identify social pressures and marketing tactics, practicing assertive refusal strategies to navigate real-world situations involving vaping.

Students explore the neurobiology of nicotine addiction, learning how it 'hijacks' the brain's reward system and affects adolescent development.

Students investigate the truth behind common vaping myths and explore the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A reflective lesson designed for students to evaluate the health risks of vaping and the social pressures that lead to it, focusing on long-term consequences and personal agency.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high school students focusing on substance abuse prevention through an honest, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive lens, emphasizing decision-making and real-world refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

This lesson explores the immediate and long-term health risks associated with vaping THC, focusing on the physiological impact on the respiratory and nervous systems. Students will analyze the chemical components of vape aerosols and evaluate the potential consequences for their health and future.

A comprehensive lesson exploring substance and behavioral addictions, focusing on their social and emotional impacts on individuals and their communities.

Synthesizing learning through reflection and the creation of a personal commitment plan.

Expanding the toolkit to include journaling, physical movement, and creative outlets.

Covers human reproduction, pregnancy prevention, and STI awareness. Students analyze healthy boundaries, consent, and how early behaviors impact adult health outcomes.

Examines the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs on the body and social health. Students develop refusal skills and analyze how public regulations and personal choices influence risk behaviors.

Explores how nutrition and physical activity impact body systems and long-term health. Students analyze public health policies and the role of research in promoting physical wellness.

Focuses on stress management, relationship dynamics, and the interrelationship between mental, emotional, and social health. Students identify healthy vs. unhealthy relationship markers and analyze social influences on emotional well-being.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high school students focusing on substance abuse prevention through an honest, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive lens, emphasizing decision-making and real-world refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the biological journey of alcohol through the human body, the factors influencing Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), and the scientific methods used for testing. Students will analyze how alcohol disrupts various body systems and the physiological consequences of intoxication.

Students analyze the biological impact of substances on the central nervous system, contrasting immediate sensations with long-term physiological damage and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

A high school health lesson focusing on the intersection of substance use and sexual health decision-making, utilizing a Socratic Seminar and safety planning to help students navigate peer pressure and risk reduction.

This lesson explores the physiological effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and equips students with practical refusal strategies for peer pressure through a lab-themed investigation.

Students synthesize their research into a personalized or family Emergency Card, formatting it for both digital and physical use.

Students learn to distinguish between accredited crisis services and predatory marketing or scams through media literacy and critical thinking.

Students investigate hotlines for substance use and harm reduction, distinguishing between medical emergencies and treatment referrals.

Focusing on safety and discretion, this lesson covers domestic violence hotlines and the unique digital safety features they employ.

Students survey the difference between national networks and local community crisis centers, learning to identify the scope of services and verifying availability.

A culminating project where students synthesize their learning by creating a 'truth-in-advertising' campaign that depicts the actual consequences of alcohol use.

An investigation into how product packaging and flavors (alcopops) are designed to target young drinkers by blurring lines with sodas and energy drinks.

Students compare perceived peer drinking rates with actual statistical data to challenge the 'everybody's doing it' myth using Social Norms Theory.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

A substance intervention lesson designed for high school students to explore the relationship between THC use and personal motivation, utilizing Motivational Interviewing techniques to encourage use reduction.

This lesson explores how vaping THC affects decision-making and impulse control, leading to a discussion on maintaining physical boundaries and resolving conflicts without threats or violence.

This lesson explores the immediate and long-term health risks associated with vaping THC, focusing on the physiological impact on the respiratory and nervous systems. Students will analyze the chemical components of vape aerosols and evaluate the potential consequences for their health and future.

Explores the social and environmental consequences of substance use in school and guides students through a restorative reflection process for re-entry.

Focuses on the physiological and neurological impact of nicotine, vapes, and THC on the developing teenage brain and body.

Students develop concrete safety plans for emergency situations, learning to recognize cannabis toxicity and understand Good Samaritan protection.

An investigation into the health risks of synthetic cannabinoids and the dangers of contaminants found in unregulated illicit market products.

Students analyze how cannabis affects reaction time and perception, debunking myths about driving while high and reviewing safety data.

This lesson explores the specific risks of edible cannabis products, including delayed onset of effects and high potency, leading to accidental overconsumption.

Students decode the differences between state and federal laws, explore why age restrictions exist, and define key legal terms like legalization and decriminalization.

A culminating project-based lesson where students synthesize their knowledge to create advocacy materials for brain health and delayed substance use.

Investigates the impact of cannabis on the hippocampus and reward pathways, focusing on memory impairment and motivation shifts through the lens of neuroplasticity.

Explores the biological timeline of brain development, specifically the prefrontal cortex. Students analyze how substance use can interfere with the 'construction' of executive functions like impulse control.

A comparative study of THC and CBD, focusing on how THC mimics natural neurotransmitters to 'hijack' the brain's signaling system. Students explore the concept of molecular mimicry.

Students investigate the body's natural endocannabinoid system (ECS), learning how endocannabinoids act as a 'master regulator' to maintain homeostasis. They will model the lock-and-key mechanism of receptors and neurotransmitters.

Students apply their knowledge of marketing and persuasion to create counter-marketing campaigns. They design ads that promote healthy brain development and sobriety using the same high-impact tactics used by commercial advertisers.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A high school social work lesson focused on substance use prevention and harm reduction. This lesson provides evidence-based information on risk factors and brain science, teaches practical refusal skills, and introduces harm reduction strategies through a non-judgmental, student-centered lens.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

Students analyze the biological impact of substances on the central nervous system, contrasting immediate sensations with long-term physiological damage and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

Students synthesize their research into a personalized or family Emergency Card, formatting it for both digital and physical use.

Students learn to distinguish between accredited crisis services and predatory marketing or scams through media literacy and critical thinking.

Students investigate hotlines for substance use and harm reduction, distinguishing between medical emergencies and treatment referrals.

Focusing on safety and discretion, this lesson covers domestic violence hotlines and the unique digital safety features they employ.

Students survey the difference between national networks and local community crisis centers, learning to identify the scope of services and verifying availability.

Researching treatment options and debunking recovery stigmas while identifying addiction as a treatable chronic health condition.

Training on identifying overdoses and responding to emergencies, including Narcan administration and peer-to-peer intervention conversations.

Students explore evidence-based strategies to minimize harm, including hydration, avoiding polysubstance use, and creating safety plans.

An exploration of how the illicit stimulant supply is increasingly contaminated with fentanyl, emphasizing risk assessment and the role of drug-checking tools.

Students learn to distinguish between experimental use and substance use disorder using simplified DSM-5 criteria, practicing identification through anonymized vignettes.

Students research local and national recovery resources and compile these findings into a shareable digital or print resource for their community.

Learners explore the philosophy of harm reduction as a public health strategy. They debate the efficacy of these methods using data on disease transmission and overdose prevention.

Students learn the specific signs of stimulant overdose (seizure, stroke, heart attack) versus opioid overdose. The lesson covers Good Samaritan laws and the immediate steps to take while waiting for EMS.

This lesson addresses the specific risks of street drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, with a heavy focus on the modern crisis of fentanyl adulteration. Students learn about the unpredictability of the illicit supply chain.

Students map the behavioral and emotional cycle of stimulant addiction, focusing on the extreme lows (anhedonia) that drive repeated use. The lesson distinguishes between physical dependence and psychological addiction.

Applying unit knowledge to create a comprehensive household safety plan for managing a fictional post-surgery opioid prescription.

The unit final where students apply their analytical skills to a "mystery specimen" and provide a research-backed verdict for a teen athlete.

A fast-paced introduction where students explore the unregulated world of fitness supplements and use a "red flag" checklist to hunt for industry truths on digital specimens.

This lesson covers the physiological effects of caffeine on the body and provides clear, evidence-based guidelines for safe consumption across different age groups based on FDA and NIH standards.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

Students analyze the biological impact of substances on the central nervous system, contrasting immediate sensations with long-term physiological damage and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

Students conduct a guided research project to identify and compile local and national resources for addiction support, creating a practical directory for their community.

A workshop-style lesson where students identify the social and emotional barriers to asking for help, such as shame and fear, and brainstorm strategies to overcome them.

Students analyze the link between stimulant abuse and mental health conditions like psychosis and anxiety, learning how substances can mask or exacerbate underlying issues.

This lesson examines the physical and emotional 'crash' associated with stimulant withdrawal. Students create timelines of symptoms and read case studies to build empathy and clinical understanding of the difficulty of quitting.

Students explore how the brain adapts to stimulant use through the concept of tolerance, using a 'loud music' analogy to understand dopamine desensitization. They analyze the relationship between increased dosage and diminishing returns.

Students design informational materials to educate peers on the dangers of stimulant misuse and the risks of mixing substances.

Students learn evidence-based study strategies and stress management techniques to replace the perceived need for chemical assistance.

This lesson covers the legal ramifications of sharing or possessing prescription drugs without a script and explores the ethics of academic fairness.

Students analyze case studies of 'study drug' misuse to identify negative side effects like anxiety and sleep deprivation that counteract perceived academic benefits.

Students categorize stimulants into prescription and illicit groups and discuss the regulations governing Schedule II substances, clarifying the intended medical use of ADHD medications.

An examination of the combined effects of sugar and caffeine on the body, including blood sugar spikes, crashes, and impacts on school performance.

In this culminating project, students synthesize their learning to create a comprehensive map of the body's response to stimulant substances.

A comprehensive lesson exploring the health risks of vaping, debunking common myths, and practicing refusal skills through real-world scenarios.

Covers human reproduction, pregnancy prevention, and STI awareness. Students analyze healthy boundaries, consent, and how early behaviors impact adult health outcomes.

Examines the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs on the body and social health. Students develop refusal skills and analyze how public regulations and personal choices influence risk behaviors.

Explores how nutrition and physical activity impact body systems and long-term health. Students analyze public health policies and the role of research in promoting physical wellness.

Focuses on stress management, relationship dynamics, and the interrelationship between mental, emotional, and social health. Students identify healthy vs. unhealthy relationship markers and analyze social influences on emotional well-being.

Students identify social pressures and marketing tactics, practicing assertive refusal strategies to navigate real-world situations involving vaping.

Students explore the neurobiology of nicotine addiction, learning how it 'hijacks' the brain's reward system and affects adolescent development.

Students investigate the truth behind common vaping myths and explore the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

The unit final where students apply their analytical skills to a "mystery specimen" and provide a research-backed verdict for a teen athlete.

A fast-paced introduction where students explore the unregulated world of fitness supplements and use a "red flag" checklist to hunt for industry truths on digital specimens.

A comprehensive, in-depth unit on mental health literacy, identifying system alerts (Anxiety, Depression, Anger), and building a proactive coping toolkit. Includes detailed reading, scenario analysis, and a 10-question final assessment.

A reflective lesson designed for students to evaluate the health risks of vaping and the social pressures that lead to it, focusing on long-term consequences and personal agency.

A 45-minute evidence-informed lesson for secondary students focusing on substance use awareness, brain development, harm reduction, and decision-making skills through a non-judgmental lens.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high school students focusing on substance abuse prevention through an honest, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive lens, emphasizing decision-making and real-world refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A high school social work lesson focused on substance use prevention and harm reduction. This lesson provides evidence-based information on risk factors and brain science, teaches practical refusal skills, and introduces harm reduction strategies through a non-judgmental, student-centered lens.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

This lesson explores the immediate and long-term health risks associated with vaping THC, focusing on the physiological impact on the respiratory and nervous systems. Students will analyze the chemical components of vape aerosols and evaluate the potential consequences for their health and future.

Synthesizing learning through reflection and the creation of a personal commitment plan.

Expanding the toolkit to include journaling, physical movement, and creative outlets.

The unit final where students apply their analytical skills to a "mystery specimen" and provide a research-backed verdict for a teen athlete.

A fast-paced introduction where students explore the unregulated world of fitness supplements and use a "red flag" checklist to hunt for industry truths on digital specimens.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high school students focusing on substance abuse prevention through an honest, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive lens, emphasizing decision-making and real-world refusal skills.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students on substance abuse awareness, focusing on the science of addiction, common substances like vaping and prescription drugs, and practical refusal skills.

A high school social work lesson focused on substance use prevention and harm reduction. This lesson provides evidence-based information on risk factors and brain science, teaches practical refusal skills, and introduces harm reduction strategies through a non-judgmental, student-centered lens.

A student-centered, evidence-based lesson on substance use prevention and harm reduction for high schoolers. Focuses on risk factors, refusal skills, and realistic safety strategies using a non-judgmental social work lens.

A high school health lesson focusing on the biological shift in brain control during addiction, using the 'Brain Train' metaphor to distinguish between the cortex and subcortex. Students engage with the Stroop Test to experience cognitive conflict before mapping how drugs hijack neural pathways.

Students analyze the biological impact of substances on the central nervous system, contrasting immediate sensations with long-term physiological damage and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

Students synthesize their research into a personalized or family Emergency Card, formatting it for both digital and physical use.

Students learn to distinguish between accredited crisis services and predatory marketing or scams through media literacy and critical thinking.

Students investigate hotlines for substance use and harm reduction, distinguishing between medical emergencies and treatment referrals.

Focusing on safety and discretion, this lesson covers domestic violence hotlines and the unique digital safety features they employ.

Students survey the difference between national networks and local community crisis centers, learning to identify the scope of services and verifying availability.

Students conduct a guided research project to identify and compile local and national resources for addiction support, creating a practical directory for their community.

A workshop-style lesson where students identify the social and emotional barriers to asking for help, such as shame and fear, and brainstorm strategies to overcome them.

Students analyze the link between stimulant abuse and mental health conditions like psychosis and anxiety, learning how substances can mask or exacerbate underlying issues.

This lesson examines the physical and emotional 'crash' associated with stimulant withdrawal. Students create timelines of symptoms and read case studies to build empathy and clinical understanding of the difficulty of quitting.

Students explore how the brain adapts to stimulant use through the concept of tolerance, using a 'loud music' analogy to understand dopamine desensitization. They analyze the relationship between increased dosage and diminishing returns.

Students design informational materials to educate peers on the dangers of stimulant misuse and the risks of mixing substances.

Students learn evidence-based study strategies and stress management techniques to replace the perceived need for chemical assistance.