Hallucinogens
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what hallucinogens are, explain their risks and effects, and know how to respond if someone needs help.
Key learning points
- Hallucinogens are drugs that change the way someone's senses perceive the world.
- Hallucinogens have risks, including legal, physical and psychological risks.
- Most hallucinogens are Class A drugs, with very serious consequences for possession and supply.
- There are different ways to say no to others.
- There are organisations and trusted adults who can offer help and support.
Keywords
Hallucinogen - a type of substance that can change the way people see, hear, taste, smell, think or feel
Distort - to change or twist something away from its normal or true form
Hallucination - a false experience involving sight, sound, touch, taste and/or smell that seems real
Flashback - in this context, when someone re-experiences the effects of a hallucinogen after the effects have worn off
Common misconception
Psilocybin is safe because it is natural.
Just because something is natural, it does not mean it is safe. Magic mushrooms carry serious risks, including paranoia and unpredictable psychological effects. Every person reacts differently, so there is no way to predict what will happen.
Teacher tip
Before teaching this lesson, you might speak to your school's DSL or RSHE lead about any hallucinogens which are known to be used in your local area.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the correct definition of inhibition?
Q2.Which of these is a good way to say no if someone pressures you to do something you are uncomfortable with?
Q3.Match each drug type to whether it is a stimulant or depressant.
Q4.Where could someone get reliable help or advice if they were worried about drugs?
Q5.Match the maximum penalty for possession of an illegal depressant to the correct class.
Q6.Which of these are potential risks from taking depressants?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Hallucinogens work by ...
Q2.Match the words to the correct definitions.
Q3.Which of these is a psychological risk of taking hallucinogens?
Q4.If a friend offered you an illegal drug, which of these would be an effective way to say no?
Q5.Most hallucinogens are Class drugs, meaning possession carries the most serious legal consequences.
Q6.Why might someone wrongly think magic mushrooms are safe?
To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Hallucinogens, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Hallucinogens, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Risky substances: What do I need to know about illegal and prescription drugs? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.