Lesson start ideas	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Health
What age group	Year or Grade 9
What topic	Risk taking drugs and alcohol
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: The High Cost of Low Choices

Setting the Scene

As students enter the classroom, dim the lights and play a brief audio clip of a buzzing city environment—sounds of a crowded street, laughter, and the faint beat of music. This sets a vibrant tone while also hinting at the chaos that can accompany risky decisions. After a minute, turn on a spotlight that illuminates a large poster on the wall displaying a bold question:

"What’s Your Decision?"

Activity: An Engaging Poll

1. Have Students Grab a Card
   On their desks, students will find two colored cards: one green and one red. Instruct them to hold up the green card if they think a scenario is “safe” and the red card if they think it is “risky.”

2. Present Scenarios
   Read out various scenarios related to drug and alcohol use, such as:

   • "Someone offers you a drink at a party where you don’t know anyone."
   • "A friend suggests trying a drug that they claim is harmless because 'everyone is doing it.'"
   • "You see a social media post about a new 'legal high' with hundreds of likes."

3. Discuss Responses
   After each scenario, pause and ask students to explain their choice. Encourage discussion about what factors influenced their decisions, such as peer pressure, personal values, and the perceived risks involved.

The Connection to Real Life

After the activity, switch back to normal lighting and share a brief, impactful story (either personal or anecdotal) about someone who faced the consequences of drug or alcohol use. Relate it back to the scenarios and how real-life choices can lead to unexpected and often severe outcomes.

Transition into Learning

Wrap up the introduction by stating:

"Today, we're going to dive deeper into the world of drugs and alcohol, exploring not just the risks involved, but also the realities that many teens face when making choices. Let’s find out how we can equip ourselves with knowledge to make informed decisions!"

With this creative opening, students have already begun engaging with the topic personally before delving into the facts and science behind risk-taking behaviors related to drugs and alcohol. The combination of audio-visual stimulus and active participation paves the way for a thought-provoking lesson.