Summary of Curriculum

Activity 1
In a short introduction, the presenter mentions that almost everyone knows long-term smoking can cause cancer and heart disease. But what are the effects of using tobacco over a short period? The students’ answers will probably range from bad breath and yellow teeth to tobacco stains.

Activity 2
Students simulate how smoking makes breathing difficult. They breathe through a straw while pinching their nose closed, then repeat the exercise while running in place. The point: when people smoke, they lose the ability to hold sufficient oxygen in their lungs.

Activity 3
Students guess how much it costs to smoke a pack of cigarettes every day for a month and for a year. Then they calculate the amount at $2 per pack and discuss the many ways they could spend the money they could save over the course of a week, month and year.

Activity 4
Students are asked why people start smoking or chewing tobacco. The presenter analyzes reasons such as image (is it glamorous or sexy to smell bad?), peer pressure (they will role-play saying no to friends), following the example of teens and adults, relaxation (are people relaxed when they crave a cigarette?) and advertisements.

Activity 5
Students use advertisements and a worksheet to explore the tobacco industry’s marketing strategies.

Poster contest
Students make posters showing the positive effects of staying tobacco-free. (The MAFP will no longer be administering the state Tar Wars Poster Contest.  If posters do come in to the MAFP office, staff will decide which one, if any, best qualifies for the National Poster Contest and then will submit that poster on behalf of the state.  No prizes will be awarded on the state level.)