TOPIC: DRUG ABUSE
A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS
- Drug-abuse prevention posters.
- Pictures of medicines.
- Flashcards.
- Health education chart.
- Pupils’ notebooks.
B: REFERENCE MATERIALS
- Scheme of work.
- Recommended Social Studies textbook for Primary 5.
- Online educational resources.
C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
The pupils know that medicines are used to treat illnesses and should be taken only under proper guidance.
D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain drugs.
- Explain drug abuse.
- Mention examples of commonly abused substances.
- State causes of drug abuse.
- Mention effects of drug abuse.
- Explain why medicines should be used properly.
E: CONTENT
Meaning of Drugs
A drug is a substance used to prevent, diagnose or treat illness, or one that can affect how the body works. Medicines should be taken according to the instructions of a qualified health professional or responsible adult.
Meaning of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is the harmful or improper use of drugs or other substances. Examples include:
- Taking medicine without proper instruction.
- Taking more medicine than prescribed.
- Using someone else’s medicine.
- Using harmful substances to feel different.
Commonly Misused Substances
Examples may include:
- Alcohol.
- Tobacco.
- Some medicines.
- Inhaled harmful chemicals.
- Illegal drugs.
Causes of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse may be caused by:
- Peer pressure.
- Curiosity.
- Bad influence.
- Stress.
- Lack of proper guidance.
- Desire to imitate others.
Effects of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse can:
- Damage the body.
- Affect the brain.
- Cause poor school performance.
- Lead to accidents.
- Cause family problems.
- Lead to crime.
- Cause dependence.
F: LESSON PRESENTATION
F1: Teachers’ Activities
- Explains drugs.
- Differentiates proper drug use from drug abuse.
- Gives age-appropriate examples.
- Discusses causes of drug abuse.
- Explains harmful effects.
- Emphasises proper use of medicine.
- Encourages pupils to seek help from trusted adults.
F2: Pupils’ Activities
- Explain drugs.
- Explain drug abuse.
- Mention examples.
- State causes.
- Mention effects.
- Identify safe behaviour.
- Ask appropriate questions.
G: CONCLUSION
The teacher revises the meaning, causes and effects of drug abuse. The teacher reminds pupils never to take unknown medicines or harmful substances and to seek help from trusted adults.
H: EVALUATION GUIDE
Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:
- What is a drug?
- What is drug abuse?
- Mention four examples of substances that may be abused.
- State four causes of drug abuse.
- Mention five effects of drug abuse.
- Why should medicines be taken according to instructions?
- Who should a pupil tell if offered an unknown substance?