VSM Scenario Activities
Four scenario activities, each comprising one or more volatile substance-related scenarios and accompanying activities have been developed. These are to be used as part of a ‘strength-based approach’ to school-based drug education. Background information on the issues covered in each is provided for teachers, as well as key messages for students. As well as improving students’ knowledge about the harms associated with volatile substance misuse (VSM), this can also assist teachers to challenge and correct misinformation.
The first two – Warning Labels and Safer Storage and Proper Use – have been developed for upper primary students and provide opportunities to discuss considerations and risks of situations related to the safety of volatile substances, with no reference to misuse experimentation. The final two – Aerosols and What To Do In An Emergency – should only be used by those teachers working with young people who are misusing these products themselves or are associating with others who do.
To assist teachers in introducing the learning activities to students, a short, animated video has been produced that outlines the events described in three of the four scenarios. Scenario Activity 1: Warning Labels contains four shorter scenarios, so instead of a video, a series of detailed illustrations are available for teachers to use as stimulus material.
VIDEO 1: KIM’S STORY
VIDEO 2: SCOTT’S STORY
VIDEO 3: TONY’S STORY