Teaching Tool - Cannabis (Grade 5)

This lesson teaches students what cannabis is and the risks associated with its use.

Learning goals

I will gain a clear understanding of what cannabis is and how it is used
I will gain an understanding of reasons for use and non-use among youth
I will be able to describe the risks of using cannabis and understand ways to refuse its use
I will gain an understanding of legislation
I will recognize the link between mental health and substance use

Core knowledge content provides the teacher with the background information needed to prepare and teach this health class.

Grades 1-8: Health and Physical Education (2019)

D2.3 demonstrate the ability to apply decision-making, assertiveness, and refusal skills to deal with pressures pertaining to alcohol use or other behaviours that could later lead to addiction. (Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours). This specific expectation is also connected to the social emotional learning expectation A1.4 Relationships, 1.6 Thinking.
D3.3 identify personal and social factors that can affect a person's decision to drink alcohol or use cannabis at different points in their life. (Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours). This specific expectations is also connected to the social emotional learning expectation A1.2 Coping, 1.6 Thinking.

This presentation introduces cannabis, the physiological effects, and the health effects.

In this activity, students will have one minute to write as many ideas about a given topic, connecting to cannabis.

In groups, students will brainstorm factors of cannabis use, and influences.

1.2 demonstrate an understanding of appropriate listening behaviour by adapting active listening strategies to suit a range of situations, including work in groups
2.2 demonstrate an understanding of appropriate speaking behaviour in a variety of situations, including paired sharing, dialogue, and small- and large group discussions