Substance Abuse

Grade 1 · General Science

Semester 2 | Period 6 | Week 33

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Subject: General Science

Semester: 2

Period: 6

Week: 33

Week 33
School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: General Science
Grade Level: Grade 1
Date: Week 33
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 33, Period 6
Topic: Substance Abuse
Sub-topic: Good and Bad Substances
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  • Explain what drug or substance abuse means
  • Identify bad substances such as alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes and explain why children should avoid them
  • Identify good substances such as water, juices, and prescribed medications

Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
Basic knowledge of food and drink
Some awareness that some things can be harmful

Instructional Materials
Pictures showing good and bad substances
Chart paper and markers

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter) Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher asks: What are some drinks and medicines you take? Students share examples

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  • Teacher explains in simple words: “Substance abuse means using bad things that hurt the body.”
  • Pupils look at pictures or flashcards of alcohol bottles, cigarette packs, and drug tablets not prescribed by a doctor. Teacher explains why they are harmful.
  • Pupils discuss what happens when people use bad substances (e.g., sickness, weak body, bad behavior).
  • Teacher shows examples or pictures of good substances like water, fruit juice, milk, and prescribed medicines (e.g., paracetamol given by a doctor).
  • Pupils role-play: “Choose the good substance” – teacher places pictures of both good and bad substances, pupils pick the good ones.
  • Pupils chant together: “Good substances help the body; bad substances harm the body!”

Assessment Checks:

  • Oral questions:
    • “Name one bad substance.”
    • “Name one good substance.”
    • “Why should children not take alcohol or smoke cigarettes?”
  • Group activity: Pupils sort pictures of substances into Good and Bad groups.
  • Teacher observes role-play choices and listens to explanations.

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  • Substance abuse means taking harmful things that can damage the body and mind.
  • Bad substances include:
    • Alcohol – makes people drunk and damages the liver.
    • Drugs not given by a doctor – can make people sick or addicted.
    • Cigarettes – damage the lungs and make breathing difficult.
  • Good substances include:
    • Water – keeps the body fresh and healthy.
    • Juices and milk – give vitamins and energy.
    • Prescribed medicines – help us recover from sickness when given by a doctor.
  • Children should avoid bad substances because:
    • They make the body weak and sick.
    • They stop children from growing healthy.
    • They can cause accidents and bad behavior.
  • Good substances make the body strong, clean, and healthy.

Extra Examples & Practical Links:

  • Class discussion: “What do you drink when you are thirsty? What should you not drink?”
  • Drawing activity: Pupils draw one good substance that makes them healthy.
  • Storytelling: Teacher narrates a short story of a child who drank juice and stayed healthy, versus another child who smoked and got sick.
  • Home assignment: Pupils ask parents to show them one good substance at home (like fruits or juice) and report back.


C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment) Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Recap good and bad substances and why children should make safe choices

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Students name one good and one bad substance and explain why
Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback

Assignment (Expanded): Make a list of good substances you use at home

Follow-up Activity: Discuss with parents the importance of avoiding bad substances

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Use visual aids for students who need extra guidance
Pair students to share examples of good substances

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low