Ready for action?
Resources
Tangible Resources
Pen, paper, internet, photographs, newspaper articles, case studies and statistics about illicit drug use (printed scientific research)
Human Resources
Experts from a variety of related fields, e.g. police, doctor, mental health practitioner, social care worker
Preparation
Arrange experts visit (or video call); send letter to parents informing them that students will be studying this sensitive topic as part of the curriculum, ensure teachers are aware of any pupils who may find this topic particularly challenging or upsetting; set up stations with a different selection of research material for the following topics: statistics, newspaper articles, images, case studies, web-based research
Goals, messages & concepts
Specific goals
- To develop independent research skills.
- To build confidence to talk to an adult expert and use their research to ask pertinent questions.
Specific messages
- Preparing and building preparatory knowledge helps to make the most of an interview with an expert in the field you are studying.
- Different drugs have different effects on the mind and body, and consequently impact differently on behaviour, lifestyle, and personal relationships.
Main terms
- Research
- Sources
- Reliability
- Interview
Practices & skills
STEM practices
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
- Asking questions and defining problems
Soft skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Management skills
- Planning
Course of activity
step 1
Students will research illicit drugs using a variety of sources, to gain an introductory level of understanding of the topic. They will then watch a video of Research Top Tips (see Resources) made by Lead Learners (students involved in the creation of this Learning Scenario).
step 2
They will then carousel around 5 workstations and make notes to be used later in the lesson:
- Statistics
- Newspaper articles
- Images
- Case studies
- Web-based research
step 3
Students will then learn that they are going to meet a panel of experts. They will look at a brief profile for each expert and consider how they should greet and introduce themselves to the experts. They will then watch a video of Interviewing Top Tips (see Resources).
step 4
In groups, students will use their research notes to compile questions for the experts, thinking about what they know, what they'd like to learn more about, and what gaps there are in their knowledge. They will plan which questions to ask each expert based on their profiles. Students should ask about (but not limited to):
- The impact of drugs on the body and the mind
- How taking drugs can affect your life and others around you
- The legal consequences of taking drugs
- The process of drug rehabilitation
step 5
Students will then participate in a role-play activity to rehearse their interview technique.
step 6
The panel discussion will take place in the school hall. Students will welcome the experts and listen to introductions. Students will take turns to ask the prepared questions and are each responsible for taking notes on their question to share with the rest of the class. The information they gather from this session will be used to inform the performance work.