Introduction
Lesson 1
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
View Middle School Version

We know the tobacco industry has targeted youth, in order to get them hooked on using tobacco. From engaging students with stimulating Canva slides to a perceptive take-home discussion guide, this lesson uses the Positive Youth Development framework to teach middle and high school students about the health effects of using tobacco products like e-cigarettes and cigarettes.

Learning Objectives

By hearing and participating in this lesson, students will:


  • Be able to identify the ingredients in e-cigarettes.
  • Be able to identify, categorize, list, and compare and contrast the health effects caused by e-cigarette use.

Key Takeaways

  • E-cigarettes are NOT just harmless flavored water vapor.  They produce an aerosol full of harmful chemicals and other constituents. 

  • E-cigarette aerosol damages the lungs and heart, which can lead to disease.

  • The flavors and flavorants in e-cigarettes are also harmful. The risk of having a heart attack decreases right away when going vape-free.

  • Going smoke or vape-free allows the body to heal right away.

View Common Core Education Standards for Lesson 2
View High School Lesson 2 on Canva
Lesson 2 HS - Talking Points

Click above to view the talking points for this lesson. Use the talking points alongside the Canva slides!

Lesson 2 HS - Discussion Guides

We suggest providing students with the Discussion Guide that they can take home and discuss with a trusted adult such as a parent/caregiver, coach, mentor, and/or a peer.

Lesson 2 HS - Kahoot!

We suggest you end with a Kahoot, which can be found and easily linked to in the last slide of this OR using the link above.

We recommend using Canva to get the full-scale experience of each lesson. If you need to go offline, feel free to download lesson 1 below.

** Disclaimer: Please note that because of the conversion between Canva and PowerPoint, some fonts, images, animations and videos may not work properly. For the full experience, utilize the Canva slides above. 

Lesson 2 Kahoot! Offline PDF Version - High School

Optional Activities

Below are some additional activities that you can do with your students as time allows.

  • Here is a great activity to further discuss chemicals in cigarettes and other harms related to tobacco.

  • Here is an activity you can do to further explain the effects of smoking or using e-cigarettes on the lungs.  Note: rather than purchase straws, you can have the students make paper straws.

  • Keep an open environment for students to come and ask questions or circle back to the material.

  • Click here for the "Vapor or Aerosol" activity! Understand why the differences between vapor and aerosol are important. 

View Lesson 3