Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7 – 8
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Chemical Safety Measures: Follow Safety Guidelines.
Topic: DRUG ABUSE
Subject Matter: Meaning of drug, Meaning of drug abuse, Method of drug use e.g. inhaling, injection, smoke, Common ways of misusing drugs, Social risks factors in drug abuse e.g. broken home, Peer influence, desperate move to get more drugs.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define ‘drug’.
Explain the meaning of ‘drug abuse’.
List different methods of drug use.
Identify common ways drugs are misused.
State social risk factors associated with drug abuse.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the dangers of drug abuse.
Develop a negative attitude towards drug abuse.
Show willingness to avoid situations that lead to drug abuse.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify common types of abused substances.
Suggest practical ways to resist peer pressure related to drug use.

Promote awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among peers.
Advocate for a drug-free lifestyle.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 2.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing different types of drugs (medicinal and illicit).
Pictures depicting the effects of drug abuse.
Posters with anti-drug abuse messages.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand what drugs are and the dangers of misusing them. It enables them to identify ways drugs are abused and the social factors that contribute to drug abuse, promoting healthier choices in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of health and personal hygiene from their previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

DRUG ABUSE

Meaning of Drug

A drug is any substance that, when taken into the body, changes the way the body functions, either physically or psychologically. Drugs can be beneficial (like medicines) or harmful (like illicit substances).

Meaning of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is the excessive, persistent, or self-prescribed use of drugs for non-medical purposes, or in a way that is harmful to the user or others. It involves using drugs in a manner or amount other than prescribed by a doctor, or using illegal drugs.

Methods of Drug Use

Drugs can be taken into the body through various methods, including:

Inhaling: Breathing in fumes or vapors, e.g., sniffing glue, petrol, or solvents.
Injection: Using a needle to introduce the drug directly into the bloodstream or muscle, e.g., heroin.
Smoking: Burning the drug and inhaling the smoke, e.g., marijuana, tobacco, crack cocaine.
Swallowing (Oral): Taking drugs by mouth, e.g., pills, capsules, or syrups without proper prescription.
Snorting: Inhaling powdered drugs through the nose, e.g., cocaine.

Common Ways of Misusing Drugs

Drugs are often misused in the following ways:

Taking drugs without a doctor’s prescription.
Taking more than the prescribed dosage.
Using drugs for purposes other than treatment, such as to get high or escape problems.
Mixing different types of drugs without medical advice.
Using drugs that are meant for another person.
Using expired drugs.
Taking drugs for a longer period than prescribed.

Social Risk Factors in Drug Abuse

Several social factors can increase a person’s risk of engaging in drug abuse. These include:

Broken Home/Family Problems: Lack of parental supervision, conflict, or instability within the family can push individuals towards drug abuse.
Peer Influence/Pressure: The desire to fit in with friends or the pressure from peers to experiment with drugs can lead to abuse.
Poverty/Unemployment: Frustration, hopelessness, and lack of opportunities due to poverty or unemployment can cause individuals to seek escape through drugs.
Curiosity/Experimentation: Some individuals start using drugs out of curiosity or a desire to experiment with new sensations.
Availability of Drugs: Easy access to illicit substances in the community can increase the likelihood of drug abuse.
Lack of Education/Awareness: Ignorance about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse can make individuals vulnerable.
Psychological Stress/Depression: Using drugs as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or depression.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall their previous lesson. The teacher then asks pupils what they understand by the word ‘drug’ and encourages discussion.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s greetings and attempt to answer the questions based on their prior knowledge.
Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of the previous lesson and introduced to the new topic.

Step 2: Meaning of Drug and Drug Abuse

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of ‘drug’ and ‘drug abuse’ using simple examples and charts. The teacher highlights the difference between beneficial drug use and harmful drug abuse.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definitions of drug and drug abuse.

Step 3: Methods of Drug Use

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains different methods through which drugs are used, such as inhaling, injection, smoking, swallowing, and snorting, giving examples for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and list the various methods of drug use and discuss common examples.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the different ways drugs can be taken into the body.

Step 4: Common Ways of Misusing Drugs

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Enumeration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses common ways drugs are misused, such as taking without prescription, exceeding dosage, or mixing drugs. The teacher encourages pupils to share scenarios they may know.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by mentioning ways drugs are misused and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify incorrect practices in drug usage.

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Relating
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how a broken home or peer influence can be significant social risk factors leading to drug abuse, giving relatable examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify how family and friends can influence drug use.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how family environment and peer pressure contribute to drug abuse.

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Brainstorming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further explains other social risk factors like poverty, unemployment, curiosity, and easy availability of drugs. The teacher asks pupils to brainstorm other possible factors.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute additional factors, and solidify their understanding of social risk factors.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a comprehensive understanding of various social factors leading to drug abuse.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is a drug?
Define drug abuse.
Mention three methods of drug use.
List two common ways people misuse drugs.
State three social risk factors associated with drug abuse.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making healthy choices. The teacher encourages pupils to stay away from drugs and inform a trusted adult if they encounter drug-related issues.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are encouraged to apply the knowledge.

Lesson Keywords

Drug – A substance that changes the body’s function.
Drug Abuse – Excessive or harmful use of drugs.
Inhaling – Breathing in fumes.
Injection – Introducing drugs with a needle.
Peer Pressure – Influence from friends to do something.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and focus on key examples. For advanced learners, the teacher will encourage them to research specific types of drugs and their effects, or discuss prevention strategies in more detail.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should use real-life examples relevant to the pupils’ community when discussing drug abuse and its risk factors. Emphasize open communication and provide resources for help if needed. Ensure a sensitive approach when discussing this topic.