Substance Awareness

Students identify their personal support network of trusted adults and learn how to effectively communicate safety concerns to keep themselves and their peers safe.

Students analyze the ripple effects of breaking laws and rules, understanding how short-term decisions regarding substances can impact future opportunities and community standing.

This lesson focuses on the risks of secondhand smoke and vapor, empowering students with self-advocacy skills to seek clean air and safe environments.

Students apply all learned skills in realistic role-playing scenarios to demonstrate mastery of refusal strategies and peer support.

Students learn to identify the visual markers and warning symbols of cannabis edibles to prevent accidental ingestion and distinguish them from common snacks.

Students explore how body language and physical movement can be used to assert boundaries and exit unsafe situations.

A workshop-style lesson where students develop a toolkit of 'soft' and 'hard' verbal refusal scripts to confidently say no.

Students categorize and discuss direct, indirect, and internal pressure, specifically focusing on how these dynamics affect choices regarding cannabis.

Students compile their favorite strategies into a personal 'Wellness Toolkit' and plan for future challenges.

Students explore the distinction between household rules and government laws, focusing on why age-based regulations exist to protect young people's development and safety.

Students practice deep breathing and grounding techniques to calm the nervous system during high-stress moments.

Students experiment with art, music, and writing as tools for processing emotions and creating relief.

Students explore how activities like exercise and laughter release natural 'happy chemicals' and compare these to the risks of substances.

Students learn to identify physical and emotional signs of stress and map out their personal 'stress triggers' to understand the root causes of seeking relief.

Students are introduced to the STOP method (Say no, Tell why, Offer alternative, Promptly leave) to analyze risky situations and make healthy choices.

A culminating project where students synthesize their learning to create a personalized brain protection plan and identify healthy habits.

Students investigate how THC interferes with brain communication, specifically affecting memory, attention, and coordination in the developing brain.

Students use the 'lock and key' metaphor to understand how receptors work and how outside chemicals can mimic or block natural signals.

This lesson introduces neurons and the chemical messaging system of the body through a simulation of signal transmission.

Students explore the prefrontal cortex as the 'CEO of the brain' and learn that brain development continues into the mid-20s, highlighting the importance of protection during childhood.

Students synthesize their learning by creating a comprehensive "Body Map" poster. They label the organs affected by different prescription drug classes and describe the specific physiological threats as a summative assessment.

Students explore how the brain adapts to substances through the concepts of tolerance and withdrawal. Using a game-based economy model, they learn that addiction is a biological process of the brain's reward system being hijacked.

Students explore how depressants and opioids suppress the respiratory system. Using the "Straw Challenge" simulation, they experience the difficulty of breathing under physical distress to understand respiratory depression.

Students investigate how stimulants force the heart and brain into overdrive. Through a physical simulation and heart rate monitoring, they analyze the physiological stress of stimulant misuse.

The culminating project where students apply their knowledge to create a 30-second Public Service Announcement. Groups will storyboard and script messages about safe storage or emergency response to share with their school community.

Students identify and map out their network of trusted adults at home, school, and in the community. Through role-play, they practice the specific language needed to report safety concerns and overcome the 'secrecy' barrier.

A hands-on workshop teaching students how to effectively communicate with emergency dispatchers. Students practice giving clear information, staying calm under pressure, and understanding the 'Good Samaritan' concept of helping others without fear of trouble.

Students develop observational skills to recognize physical signs of medical emergencies related to substances. The lesson focuses on identifying distressed behaviors (stimulant vs. depressant effects) and understanding when a situation requires immediate intervention.

Students explore the protocols for safe medication storage and disposal, identifying common household hazards. They create a 'Home Safety Audit' to use with their families to prevent accidental ingestion and promote a safe living environment.

Students explore baseline brain function by simulating the nervous system's communication network. They learn how the brain sends signals to control vital organs like the heart and lungs.

A practical workshop on reading medication labels, interpreting instructions, and identifying safety warnings.

Introduction to depressants and opioids, focusing on pain relief, anxiety treatment, and the high risks of addiction.

A deep dive into stimulants, their medical purposes for ADHD, and the physiological effects of 'speeding up' the body.

An analysis of the medical professional's role in determining dosage based on individual health factors to prevent the dangers of sharing medication.

Students learn to distinguish between Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription (Rx) medications through categorization and symbol identification.

Students explore how to be a positive influence by supporting friends' healthy choices and creating collective 'friendship pacts'.

Students synthesize their learning to create a personalized daily 'Power Up' plan that integrates sleep, water, food, and movement strategies.

Students develop physical strategies and non-verbal communication for removing themselves from uncomfortable situations effectively.

Students experience how physical movement increases blood flow and focus naturally, learning about endorphins as the body's natural happy chemicals.

Specifically addressing nicotine and vaping as stimulants, students use role-play to practice refusing offers while debunking myths about 'water vapor'.

This lesson focuses on building practical refusal skills and strengthening the 'Shield Squad' (support systems). Students learn specific strategies to navigate high-pressure social contexts while acknowledging their inner feelings.

This lesson helps students identify the 'Inner State' (emotions, curiosity, stress) and 'Social Context' (peers, media, environment) that can lead to substance use. Students will develop awareness of these influences to make healthier choices.

Students synthesize their learning by creating a comprehensive "Body Map" poster. They label the organs affected by different prescription drug classes and describe the specific physiological threats as a summative assessment.

Students explore how the brain adapts to substances through the concepts of tolerance and withdrawal. Using a game-based economy model, they learn that addiction is a biological process of the brain's reward system being hijacked.

Students explore how depressants and opioids suppress the respiratory system. Using the "Straw Challenge" simulation, they experience the difficulty of breathing under physical distress to understand respiratory depression.

Students investigate how stimulants force the heart and brain into overdrive. Through a physical simulation and heart rate monitoring, they analyze the physiological stress of stimulant misuse.

The culminating project where students apply their knowledge to create a 30-second Public Service Announcement. Groups will storyboard and script messages about safe storage or emergency response to share with their school community.

Students identify and map out their network of trusted adults at home, school, and in the community. Through role-play, they practice the specific language needed to report safety concerns and overcome the 'secrecy' barrier.

A hands-on workshop teaching students how to effectively communicate with emergency dispatchers. Students practice giving clear information, staying calm under pressure, and understanding the 'Good Samaritan' concept of helping others without fear of trouble.

Students develop observational skills to recognize physical signs of medical emergencies related to substances. The lesson focuses on identifying distressed behaviors (stimulant vs. depressant effects) and understanding when a situation requires immediate intervention.

Students synthesize their learning by creating a pocket guide or comic strip that illustrates effective refusal strategies for their peers, reflecting on which methods work best for them personally.

Students explore the protocols for safe medication storage and disposal, identifying common household hazards. They create a 'Home Safety Audit' to use with their families to prevent accidental ingestion and promote a safe living environment.

Students apply their verbal and non-verbal skills to realistic scenarios involving the misuse of prescription medications like painkillers or ADHD medicine. peer feedback helps refine their approach.

Focusing on non-verbal communication, students explore how posture, eye contact, and physical distance reinforce their spoken boundaries. they practice exiting unsafe situations confidently.

Students explore baseline brain function by simulating the nervous system's communication network. They learn how the brain sends signals to control vital organs like the heart and lungs.

Students learn and practice five core verbal refusal techniques: The Broken Record, The Excuse, The Better Idea, The Cold Shoulder, and Reversing the Pressure. Focus is placed on tone of voice and clear communication.

A practical workshop on reading medication labels, interpreting instructions, and identifying safety warnings.

Students analyze direct and indirect social pressure to understand how their need for approval influences decisions about prescription medication. through discussion and case studies, they learn to spot the subtle ways peer influence works.

Introduction to depressants and opioids, focusing on pain relief, anxiety treatment, and the high risks of addiction.

A deep dive into stimulants, their medical purposes for ADHD, and the physiological effects of 'speeding up' the body.

This lesson focuses on building practical refusal skills and strengthening the 'Shield Squad' (support systems). Students learn specific strategies to navigate high-pressure social contexts while acknowledging their inner feelings.

This lesson helps students identify the 'Inner State' (emotions, curiosity, stress) and 'Social Context' (peers, media, environment) that can lead to substance use. Students will develop awareness of these influences to make healthier choices.

Synthesizing values and the STOP model to navigate specific alcohol-related scenarios and reflect on personal identity.

Analyzing the impact of media, peers, and family on personal choices and learning to distinguish between positive and negative influencers.

Differentiating between immediate gratification and long-term success by mapping future aspirations and identifying potential roadblocks like alcohol.

Introduction to the STOP decision-making framework (Stop, Think, Options, Proceed) and practice applying it to everyday dilemmas.

Students explore personal priorities through a values auction and sorting activity to understand how substance use can conflict with their most important goals.

Students finalize their PSAs and participate in a gallery walk to provide peer feedback on their campaigns.

Teams brainstorm and storyboard their own Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to promote healthy choices.

Students explore the concept of target audiences and how marketing tactics are tailored to specific groups.

Students compare the glamorized version of alcohol in ads with biological facts about its effects on the body.

Students examine visual techniques used in beverage advertisements to identify how feelings are manipulated by images.

Students synthesize their learning by creating a personal safety agreement and a symbolic 'Safety Shield'.

A broader look at how alcohol misuse impacts families, schools, and the wider community.

Students analyze case studies to understand how alcohol impairs judgment and map the ripple effect of poor decisions.

An exploration of underage drinking laws, the 'Zero Tolerance' policy, and the scientific reasoning behind age restrictions.

Students investigate how alcohol disrupts motor skills and increases accident risks through a physical reaction time simulation.

The culminating simulation where students apply all learned skills in real-time social scenarios. Students rotate through mock 'party' stations to practice their refusals and exit strategies.

Students develop proactive plans for leaving uncomfortable situations. They brainstorm realistic excuses, create safety code text messages with parents, and solve a 'social key' puzzle.

Focuses on the importance of matching non-verbal cues (posture, eye contact, and tone) with verbal refusals. Students learn how assertive body language reinforces their boundaries.

This lesson focuses on building practical refusal skills and strengthening the 'Shield Squad' (support systems). Students learn specific strategies to navigate high-pressure social contexts while acknowledging their inner feelings.

This lesson helps students identify the 'Inner State' (emotions, curiosity, stress) and 'Social Context' (peers, media, environment) that can lead to substance use. Students will develop awareness of these influences to make healthier choices.

Students learn the fundamentals of heart health and how to advocate for healthy habits in their community through a superhero-themed training program.

Students explore how to be a positive influence by supporting friends' healthy choices and creating collective 'friendship pacts'.

Students develop physical strategies and non-verbal communication for removing themselves from uncomfortable situations effectively.

Specifically addressing nicotine and vaping as stimulants, students use role-play to practice refusing offers while debunking myths about 'water vapor'.

Students learn and practice five specific refusal techniques (The Broken Record, The Excuse, The Joke, The Cold Shoulder, and The Better Idea) using low-stakes scenarios.

Students define peer pressure and identify its different forms: spoken, unspoken, direct, and indirect, specifically focusing on pressures related to energy drinks and vaping.

Groups present their resources and explain their chosen refusal strategies, followed by a gallery walk and Q&A session.

Students create their final product (comic, video, or slides), focusing on visually representing confidence and assertive body language.

Students refine their dialogue to ensure refusal sounds natural and confident. Peer reviews help ensure age-appropriate tone and effectiveness.

Groups outline a narrative arc that demonstrates a character facing pressure and successfully using a refusal skill. They begin storyboarding their project.

Students brainstorm and categorize specific pressures 5th graders face regarding vaping, alcohol, or risky dares. They select a specific scenario to focus on for their final project.

Students consolidate their knowledge by matching pressure tactics with effective counter-tactics. A game-based review reinforces refusal skills and strategic thinking in real-world scenarios.

Students examine how digital environments, social media feeds, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) create new forms of peer pressure. They learn to spot curated normalcy and establish digital boundaries.

Through a detailed narrative case study, students map out choices and consequences in a high-pressure party situation. They debate alternative outcomes and the power of decision-making.

Students identify and categorize four primary peer pressure tactics: The Huddle, The Tease, The Example, and The Reason. They analyze 'evidence' in the form of chat logs to spot these patterns in action.

Students apply their skills through interactive 'Hot Seat' dilemmas and a written assessment fixing passive and aggressive scripts.

Students investigate the social construct of 'cool' and how the desire for popularity is used as leverage in peer pressure situations. They analyze media representations and personal perceptions to understand how social status can be weaponized.

Students practice strategies for maintaining boundaries when faced with persistent pressure. Techniques include the 'Broken Record' and the 'Clean Exit.'

This lesson focuses on building practical refusal skills and strengthening the 'Shield Squad' (support systems). Students learn specific strategies to navigate high-pressure social contexts while acknowledging their inner feelings.

This lesson helps students identify the 'Inner State' (emotions, curiosity, stress) and 'Social Context' (peers, media, environment) that can lead to substance use. Students will develop awareness of these influences to make healthier choices.

Students learn the fundamentals of heart health and how to advocate for healthy habits in their community through a superhero-themed training program.

Students synthesize their learning by creating a pocket guide or comic strip that illustrates effective refusal strategies for their peers, reflecting on which methods work best for them personally.

Students apply their verbal and non-verbal skills to realistic scenarios involving the misuse of prescription medications like painkillers or ADHD medicine. peer feedback helps refine their approach.

Focusing on non-verbal communication, students explore how posture, eye contact, and physical distance reinforce their spoken boundaries. they practice exiting unsafe situations confidently.

Students learn and practice five core verbal refusal techniques: The Broken Record, The Excuse, The Better Idea, The Cold Shoulder, and Reversing the Pressure. Focus is placed on tone of voice and clear communication.

Students analyze direct and indirect social pressure to understand how their need for approval influences decisions about prescription medication. through discussion and case studies, they learn to spot the subtle ways peer influence works.

Students explore how to be a positive influence by supporting friends' healthy choices and creating collective 'friendship pacts'.

Students develop physical strategies and non-verbal communication for removing themselves from uncomfortable situations effectively.

Specifically addressing nicotine and vaping as stimulants, students use role-play to practice refusing offers while debunking myths about 'water vapor'.

Students learn and practice five specific refusal techniques (The Broken Record, The Excuse, The Joke, The Cold Shoulder, and The Better Idea) using low-stakes scenarios.

Students define peer pressure and identify its different forms: spoken, unspoken, direct, and indirect, specifically focusing on pressures related to energy drinks and vaping.

The final project where students redesign energy drink packaging to reflect the actual health risks and ingredients honestly.

Students identify their personal network of trusted adults. They practice the difference between 'tattling' and 'reporting' a safety concern and develop scripts for talking to their 'Safety Captains.'

An investigation into stimulant alternatives like Guarana and Taurine, teaching students to recognize these 'mystery' ingredients on lists.

This lesson focuses on identifying look-alike medications and the dangers of illicit pills. Students learn the strict rule: only take medicine from a doctor, pharmacist, or trusted parent/guardian.

Explores the physiological effects of caffeine on the developing body, including anxiety, sleep disruption, and the 'crash' effect.

Students categorize actions as Safe Use, Misuse, or Abuse. They discuss the risks of taking someone else's medication or disregarding doctor's instructions through a variety of real-world scenarios.

An analysis of how energy drink brands use color, celebrity endorsements, and 'cool' imagery to market stimulants to young people.