Content Area: Health and Physical Education

 

Index: 2.3B Grade 8 CPI 1

 

Standard: 2.3 - Drugs & Medicine

 

Strand: B - Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator:  1 - The student will investigate the relationship between tobacco use and respiratory diseases, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and injuries.

 

Grade: 8

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        TOBACCO TRUTHS - Brainstorm reasons why people smoke or use tobacco products. Divide the class into two groups. The first group develops a list on chart paper of the long-term effects of smoking and tobacco use, while the second group develops a list of the immediate effects of use. Be sure that both groups consider the physical, mental, and social implications of tobacco use. Post both lists. Supply each group with various ads for tobacco products. Each group discusses if the models in the ads exhibit any of the effects noted on the posted lists.

Variation: Each group researches statistical data on tobacco use (or alcohol use), using resources such as the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, the Department of Health and Senior Services, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Students use the Internet
to conduct additional research, collect data, and then develop a research file. Students use the information to write an article for a school or community newspaper.

 

·        QUITTING TOBACCO - Brainstorm the long-term effects of tobacco use. Create a continuum that describes the long-term effects of tobacco use on various body systems (e.g., lungs, heart, skin). Use anatomical models to demonstrate the effects of tobacco use. Direct a class discussion on what might happen if the person quits smoking at any point on the continuum. Ask: “Is there a point where damage is irreversible? What activity limitations might people have who are affected by lung cancer or emphysema? Are the perceived benefits of tobacco worth the risks?” Students research and write a report on the long-term effects of tobacco use. The paper should include a description of services available to those who want to quit tobacco use.