### Lesson Plan: Drug Use and Abuse
#### Grade Level: Primary 6 (Sixth Grade)
#### Subject: Basic Science and Technology
#### Duration: 60 minutes
#### Objective:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define drugs and differentiate between legal and illegal drugs.
2. Understand the purposes of drugs, both positive (medicinal) and negative (abusive).
3. Identify the harmful effects of drug abuse.
4. Recognize the importance of following medical advice when using drugs.
5. Learn strategies for saying “no” to peer pressure related to drug use.
#### Materials Needed:
- Chart paper and markers
- Printed handouts with basic information on drug categories
- Visuals or slides (optional)
- A real-life story highlighting the consequences of drug abuse (age-appropriate)
- Role-play scenarios
- Candy for demonstration (optional)
### Lesson Outline:
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Begin with a brief discussion. Ask students if they know what a drug is.
- Introduce the topic with a simple definition: "A drug is any substance that can change how your body and mind work."
2. **Types of Drugs (15 minutes)**
- Explain the difference between legal (medicinal) and illegal drugs. Use examples:
- Legal: Paracetamol (medicine), Cough Syrup
- Illegal: Marijuana, Cocaine
- Show visuals/printed handouts of different types of drugs.
- Discuss why people take drugs - to feel better (medicinal reasons) or sometimes to feel different (abuse).
3. **Drug Abuse and Its Consequences (15 minutes)**
- Define drug abuse: "Using drugs in a way that harms your health or life."
- Share a real-life story or case study of someone affected by drug abuse.
- Discuss the negative impacts: health issues, poor grades, trouble with the law, broken relationships.
4. **Safe Use of Medicines (5 minutes)**
- Emphasize the importance of following doctor's prescriptions and instructions.
- Explain why it's dangerous to take someone else's medicine or overdose.
- Use an analogy: Just like eating too much candy can make you sick, taking too much medicine can harm your body.
5. **Role-Play (10 minutes)**
- Divide students into small groups and provide scenarios:
- A friend offers you a pill, saying it will help you study better.
- Someone pressures you to try smoking because "everyone is doing it."
- Ask each group to role-play how to say “no” politely but firmly.
6. **Conclusion (5 minutes)**
- Recap the key points: What are drugs, the differences between legal and illegal drugs, the consequences of drug abuse, and the importance of following medical advice.
- Encourage students to ask questions if they’re ever unsure about any medicine or drug.
### Assessment:
- Observe students' participation during discussions and role-play activities.
- Quick Q&A to reinforce learning:
- What is a drug?
- Can you name a legal and an illegal drug?
- Why is it important to follow a doctor’s advice when using medicine?
- Short quiz (Optional):
- Define drug abuse.
- List two negative effects of drug abuse.
### Homework:
- Ask students to create a poster that highlights the dangers of drug abuse and encourages healthy choices. They can present their posters at the next class.
#### Further Resources:
- Provide a list of trustworthy websites or books for students who want to learn more about drugs and health.
- If available, invite a health professional for a guest talk in a future class.
By following this lesson plan, students will gain a foundational understanding of drug use and abuse, equipping them with the knowledge to make safe and healthy decisions.