Substance Use: Peer Pressure, Choices, and Awareness Campaign
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as informed and creative advocates, empower our peers to make healthy choices in the face of societal pressures and the risks of substance use?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do societal factors influence individual choices regarding substance use?
- What are the ethical considerations surrounding addiction and public health policies?
- In what ways can creative expression be used to promote awareness and prevention of substance use among teenagers?
- How does peer pressure affect decision-making related to substance use, and what strategies can be used to resist it?
- What are the short-term and long-term consequences of substance use on physical, mental, and social well-being?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the impact of peer pressure on substance use decisions.
- Develop effective strategies for resisting peer pressure related to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
- Raise awareness among peers about the risks and consequences of substance use.
- Promote informed decision-making regarding substance use.
- Analyze the societal factors that contribute to substance use.
- Apply creative expression to promote awareness and prevention of substance use.
- Understand the short-term and long-term consequences of substance use on physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Conduct research and analyze data related to substance use and addiction.
- Develop persuasive communication skills to advocate for healthy choices.
- Understand the ethical considerations surrounding addiction and public health policies.
- Learn how to interview a professional and write a report summarizing key takeaways.
- Visually represent data related to substance abuse in an informative way
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Empty Chair
Begin with an 'empty chair' activity, where students brainstorm and discuss the reasons why someone their age might turn to substance use. Guide the discussion to cover peer pressure, stress, and lack of information. This empathetic exploration sets the stage for deeper investigation and understanding.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Societal Factors Research
Students will conduct a mini-research project to investigate the societal factors that contribute to substance use among teenagers. They will analyze data, identify trends, and explore the influence of factors such as poverty, social norms, and access to resources.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA mini-research report analyzing the societal factors that contribute to substance use among teenagers, including data analysis, trend identification, and exploration of contributing factors.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Analyze the societal factors that contribute to substance use.Resistance Strategy Toolkit
Students will research and identify effective strategies for resisting peer pressure related to substance use. They will then create a toolkit of these strategies, including practical tips and techniques for assertiveness, refusal skills, and seeking support.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA toolkit of strategies for resisting peer pressure related to substance use, including practical tips, techniques for assertiveness and refusal skills, and resources for seeking support.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers the learning goal: Develop effective strategies for resisting peer pressure related to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioSubstance Use and Addiction Awareness Rubric
Societal Factors Research
Assessment of the student's research into societal factors contributing to substance use.Research and Understanding
Depth of research and understanding of societal factors influencing substance use.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates comprehensive and insightful understanding of multiple societal factors and their complex interactions.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough understanding of several societal factors and their influence on substance use.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging understanding of some societal factors and their connection to substance use.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding of societal factors and struggles to connect them to substance use.
Data Analysis
Quality of data analysis and trend identification.
Exemplary
4 PointsAnalyzes data with exceptional skill, identifies subtle trends, and draws insightful conclusions.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes data effectively, identifies clear trends, and draws logical conclusions.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic data analysis skills, identifies some trends, but conclusions may be simplistic.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to analyze data, identify trends, or draw meaningful conclusions.
Report Clarity
Clarity and organization of the research report.
Exemplary
4 PointsReport is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and effectively communicates complex information.
Proficient
3 PointsReport is clear, well-organized, and effectively communicates information.
Developing
2 PointsReport is somewhat organized but may lack clarity in certain sections.
Beginning
1 PointsReport is disorganized, lacks clarity, and is difficult to understand.
Resistance Strategy Toolkit
Assessment of the student's toolkit for resisting peer pressure.Strategy Comprehensiveness
Comprehensiveness and accuracy of strategies included in the toolkit.
Exemplary
4 PointsToolkit includes a wide range of highly effective and accurate strategies, demonstrating deep research and understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsToolkit includes several effective and accurate strategies, demonstrating thorough research and understanding.
Developing
2 PointsToolkit includes some strategies, but accuracy or effectiveness may be limited.
Beginning
1 PointsToolkit lacks comprehensive strategies and may contain inaccuracies.
Strategy Practicality
Practicality and applicability of the strategies for resisting peer pressure.
Exemplary
4 PointsStrategies are highly practical, easily applicable in real-life situations, and tailored to the target audience.
Proficient
3 PointsStrategies are practical and applicable in most real-life situations.
Developing
2 PointsStrategies are somewhat practical but may not be easily applicable in all situations.
Beginning
1 PointsStrategies are impractical and difficult to apply in real-life situations.
Toolkit Design
Design and accessibility of the toolkit for peers.
Exemplary
4 PointsToolkit is exceptionally well-designed, visually appealing, and highly accessible to peers.
Proficient
3 PointsToolkit is well-designed, visually appealing, and accessible to peers.
Developing
2 PointsToolkit design is adequate, but visual appeal or accessibility could be improved.
Beginning
1 PointsToolkit is poorly designed and lacks visual appeal or accessibility.