Smoking today = Smoking tomorrow

(Using CANSIM data dating back to 2002 and 1998)

Overview

The earlier young people begin smoking, the more cigarettes they are likely to smoke per day, and the less likely they are to quit. The scourge of tobacco haunts Canadians as a strong percentage of them still claim to be smokers, including many teens.

The purpose of this activity is to make students aware of the serious health implications of taking up smoking. Students will become familiar with current and actual smoking trends in the general and youth populations. Using various articles that provide extensive information on this issue, students will be encouraged to form opinions based on facts. They will have the opportunity to discuss their opinions and experiences and to make a sound decision about smoking.

Contributor: Learning Resources Team, Statistics Canada.
Adapted from a lesson by Paul ApSimon, Statistics Canada Support Teacher.

Objectives

• To understand that statistical data represent real people and the choices they make.
• To understand the issues related to substance abuse, addiction, health, medical costs, and social impacts.
• To apply a decision-making process to make an informed choice about tobacco use.
• To create an awareness of why people who are addicted to smoking don't or can't quit.

Suggested grade level and subject areas

Intermediate
Health, Physical Education

Outcomes

Students will:

• show that statistical data represents real situations and trends;
• identify issues related to substance abuse such as, addiction, health, medical costs, and social impacts;
• use a decision-making process to make an informed choice about tobacco use; and
• see the dangers of addiction and the troubles related to it.

Materials

• A computer with Internet access to E-STAT.
• You can choose to do this exercise using updated 2002 data or the original 1998 data.
• Student worksheet A, using 2002 data.
• Student worksheet B, using 1998 data. (view The Daily for Wednesday April 29, 1998 (HTML and PDF formats).

Resources

• Search The Daily at Statistics Canada's website for smoking and tobacco use.
• Other documentation, overheads, videos and handouts with the facts about smoking are supplied by most school boards and local health agencies.

Classroom instructions

1. Have students work individually on computers.
2. Show students how to conduct searches and produce tables on
   E-STAT.
3. Distribute copies of Student worksheet A, using 2002 data and/or Student worksheet B, using 1998 data.
4. Have students answer the questions on the worksheet.

Evaluation

Reviewing student observations will allow the teacher to evaluate their efforts, ability to select and retrieve data from E-STAT, and the ability to interpret tables and charts.

Enrichment

• Print a copy of several Daily articles about smoking and/or tobacco use.
• Have your students read one or more of the articles and discuss with them the issues that are raised.
• Review the data brought forth in the articles.
• What is the risk of being diagnosed with heart disease for adolescent starters compared with those who never smoked?
• What are the smoking rates for youth in recent years?
• Discuss the trends brought out in the articles.
• After reviewing one or several articles, discuss the health issues reported in these articles. Search for data on smoking and health (the Canadian Cancer Society, Health Canada as well as other related Websites, such as the Tobacco Control Program website.
• Get the students to put together an anti-smoking marketing package geared towards youth aged 11-15. Included in the package could be posters, media activities, etc. Have them put these posters up around the school.

Please e-mail comments or examples of how you used this exercise in your class.

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