Cigarette smoke contains some of the same chemicals that you can find in

batteries, car exhaust, gasoline, household cleaners, and rat poison!

Smokers aren’t the

only people who are

oss! hurt by cigarette smoke.

Gr Breathing in secondhand
smoke from a lit cigarette
means you breathe in
Did you know that there are
those dangerous
more than 7,000 chemicals in
chemicals, too.
tobacco smoke? Hundreds of
them are bad for your health.
Roughly 70 of them are believed
to cause cancer.

Kids who are regularly

exposed to secondhand
smoke are more likely
to have breathing
problems and illnesses,
such as bronchitis.

Electronic cigarettes may not seem harmful. But

Ouch! just like regular cigarettes, most e-cigarettes
contain nicotine. This chemical is addictive and
Tobacco smoke can harm
makes a person crave more of it.
every organ in the body.

Good news! Fewer teens and

adults smoke today than at any
time in the last 15 years.

40
SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.

35
30
Percentage of Smokers

25
20
15
10
5
0
1997 2001 2005 2009 2013
Chemicals from tobacco smoke can stick Year
to surfaces days after someone smokes.
This is called “thirdhand smoke.” 9th through 12th graders who currently smoke Adults who currently smoke

Generously supported
by and developed with:
FOUNDATION

CVS_PTG_front_vert.indd 1 9/28/15 12:12 PM

 Part 1 of 2

For
Grades
3–5 Teaching the
next generation
how to live
tobacco-free

Science, Health, and Language Arts Program

Poster, Lessons, and

Worksheets That:
ALSO INSIDE:
TEACH students the facts about
  Send in Surveys to Be
the dangers of tobacco and Entered for a Chance to
SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved. 651187

related products Receive Scholastic Gift

Certificates and Books
EMPOWER students to protect
 
themselves from tobacco
BUILD skills with activities that
 
support Common Core
and National Science Standards

scholastic.com/get_smart_about_tobacco

Generously supported
by and developed with:
FOUNDATION
 Get These Materials Free Online!
scholastic.com/get_smart_about_tobacco
Dear Teacher:
Welcome to “Get Smart About Tobacco,” GETTING STARTED
a program developed for teachers, students, and families to help
Hang the poster to begin a

educate them about the dangers of tobacco and to help build a classroom discussion about
tobacco-free future generation. the dangers of tobacco. Before
It’s not too early to speak to students about the risks of tobacco. A displaying the poster, be sure to
recent national survey showed that five percent of eighth graders make copies of all of the lessons
had tried their first cigarette by the end of fifth grade. And another and worksheets on the poster back.
study suggested that tobacco educational programs in elementary The lesson plans and worksheets

school can decrease the smoking rates of children in later years. inside will help guide and support
your classroom curriculum. The
The good news is that smoking rates in both adults and youth
science and health content contains
are dropping. But many young children are still exposed to
facts about the human body and
dangerous secondhand smoke. And the use of other types of reinforce English Language Arts/
nicotine-containing products, including electronic cigarettes, Common Core skills with critical
is on the rise in middle and high school students. That’s why thinking, reading comprehension,
it’s important to give your students the facts. That way they can and writing activities.
make smart decisions about tobacco in the future and advocate
The worksheets are designed to

for themselves to live in a smoke-free environment today. be taught throughout the school
The poster/teaching guide and accompanying take-home pages year and can be used individually
you’ve received were developed by the CVS Health Foundation or in sequence.
in collaboration with Scholastic Inc. Inside you will find lesson Bonus skills sheets in the


Icon: boy, Mete Eraydın/The Noun Project; gears, Márcio Duarte/The Noun Project.
plans and worksheets that help teach students about the accompanying booklet build on the
dangers of tobacco while supporting your classroom curriculum material in this teaching guide.
with activities that reinforce skills in scientific literacy, health, Additional tools available online

reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking. provide further background
The take-home family package helps extend the learning at information and facts, vocabulary
home. We urge you to share this important program with your lists, writing prompts, and paired-
students and their families. reading suggestions.
The family pages included in

Sincerely, the accompanying booklet help
extend the learning outside of the
Ann Amstutz Hayes Eileen Howard Boone
classroom. We encourage you
Vice President and Group Publisher President
to send the material home with
Scholastic Inc. CVS Health Foundation students to promote discussions
that can help protect students from
the dangers of tobacco.

We Want
Your Send in the following completed surveys to be entered for a chance
Feedback! to receive Scholastic gift certificates and books!
1 Student
 Assessments
Mail in completed Student Assessments for a chance to receive one of ten $100 Scholastic gift certificates.

2 Teacher
 Survey
Complete the Teacher Survey Card and send it in for a chance to receive five free books from
Scholastic (50 recipients).
See Back Cover for Details!

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR: (2015) “Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School Students—United States,
2011–2014.” Crone, et al., Prev Med: (2011) “Does a Smoking Prevention Program in Elementary Schools Prepare Children for Secondary
School?” Johnston, et al.: (2014) “Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975–2013—Vol. 1, Secondary School Students.”
LESSONS
Reminder: Before hanging the poster, be sure to copy all of the lesson plans and worksheets on the poster back.

Pre-Lesson Discussions about tobacco, such as staying away from people who are
smoking and to not start smoking. People may be more
Hang the poster and use it to engage students in easily convinced to stop smoking or using tobacco if they
a conversation about the dangers of tobacco and have the facts about its dangers.)
secondhand smoke. Possible questions to ask students
during the discussion include:
Lesson 2
 
What are some of the dangers of tobacco? (Breathing
in tobacco smoke can cause breathing problems and Worksheet 2: Tobacco and the Body
lead to cancer; Tobacco products are addictive; etc.)
OBJECTIVE: To teach students about how tobacco and


What is secondhand smoke? (Smoke that is given off tobacco smoke affects different parts of the body.
by a lit cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc. or that is exhaled by
a person smoking.) SKILLS COVERED: Human Body; Human Health;
Reading Comprehension; Integrating Visual Information;


Why is it helpful to know about the effects of tobacco Critical Thinking
on the body? (The information helps you make healthy
decisions about situations involving tobacco and LESSON PLAN: Before completing the activity, ask
secondhand smoke. You can use the information to tell students: Why is tobacco harmful to the body? What parts
others about the dangers and help convince of the body are affected by using tobacco? Are people
them to stay away from tobacco.) who use cigarettes the only ones affected by tobacco
smoke? Hand out the worksheet and have students
complete it individually.
Post-Lesson Discussions
KEY CONCEPTS: Tobacco and tobacco smoke contain
As you complete the lessons and worksheets, refer back to chemicals that enter the body and travel in the bloodstream
the poster. Ask students to consider what additional facts through the body. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can
they have learned that they would add to the poster. damage many parts of the body and cause cancer. Even
What facts did they learn that surprised them? What facts nonsmokers are exposed to the chemicals in tobacco
would impact people’s decisions about using tobacco? smoke. Children who breathe in secondhand smoke
have a greater risk of ear infections and respiratory
Lesson 1 problems such as bronchitis. Breathing in tobacco smoke
damages cells in the lungs and increases a person’s risk
Pre-Assessment and Post-Assessment for breathing problems and respiratory illnesses. Inhaling
tobacco smoke can damage blood vessels and increase a
Worksheet 1: What Do You Know About person’s risk of a heart attack. Nicotine present in tobacco
the Dangers of Tobacco? and electronic cigarettes travels quickly to the brain. There
OBJECTIVE: To assess your students’ knowledge about it changes the way brain signals are processed. Nicotine is
the dangers of tobacco before and after using this addictive. The effect on the brain makes people crave more
program. Note: Student pre- and post-assessment quizzes of the chemical.
can be submitted by teachers and entered for a chance
CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS: Why is it dangerous
to receive Scholastic gift certificates and books (see back
that tobacco products and electronic cigarettes contain
cover).
nicotine? (It is addictive, causing people to use more and
CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS: Before handing more of the products and exposing people to more toxic
out the quiz, ask students: What do you think you know chemicals.) How does tobacco smoke pose a health risk to
about the dangers of tobacco? After using the materials a nonsmoker? (Tobacco creates secondhand smoke that
in the teaching guide and accompanying booklet, have contains thousands of dangerous chemicals. That poses
students take the quiz again. Ask students: What facts a health risk to people who breathe it in.) Why do you think
about tobacco surprised you the most? How can you use children might be more at risk from the effects of tobacco
this information to protect yourself and others around you? smoke than adults? (Their bodies are still developing.)
(Knowing the facts helps you to make healthy decisions
(Lessons continued on next page.)

Additional Tools for Lessons:

Visit scholastic.com/get_smart_about_tobacco/additionaltools for resources that support the lessons in this
teaching guide, including:
Background Information and Facts
 Paired-Text Reading Suggestions

Academic and Domain-Specific Vocabulary Lists

 Standards Charts for Grades 3–5

Writing Prompts

Lesson 3
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Worksheet 3: Clear the Air For Youth
OBJECTIVE: Students will be presented with scenarios • teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/tobacco-nicotine-e-cigarettes
in which tobacco may pose a danger to themselves or • www.kickbuttsday.org
others. They will use facts they have learned to write an
For Adults
appropriate response to the situation.
• www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/youth/index.htm
SKILLS COVERED: Human Health; Evaluate • www.tobaccofreekids.org
Arguments; Recall Relevant Information; Write Opinion • www.lung.org/stop-smoking/
Essays; Critical Thinking • www.surgeongeneral.gov/priorities/tobacco/
LESSON PLAN: Before completing the activity, ask • www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/tobacco-nicotine
students: Why is it important to encourage people
around you not to smoke? (Exposure to secondhand
smoke from other people can harm your health; helping PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR HIGHER STANDARDS
convince people not to smoke can help protect their  Health/Life Skills
health.) Do you think knowing the facts might affect  Science Literacy
people’s decisions about tobacco? Why or why not?  English Language Arts
Hand out the worksheet and have students complete it
individually. After everyone has finished, reconvene as a NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS:
class and discuss their answers.  
Properties of objects and materials/Properties and
KEY CONCEPTS: Many students face situations in changes of properties in matter
which they must make healthy decisions about tobacco  
Characteristics of organisms/Structure and function
and secondhand smoke. Staying healthy means more in living systems
than just choosing not to smoke. It’s also important for  Personal health
children to protect themselves from secondhand smoke.
That means encouraging people around them not to NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS (NGSS):
smoke. Helping students consider what they might do LS1-1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and
and say in certain situations before they happen can Processes
better prepare them to make healthy decisions when PS1: Matter and Its Interactions
they need to.
CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS: COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS FOR
Why is it sometimes difficult to make healthy decisions ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS:
about tobacco? (Peer influence can pressure you to RI.1: Cite textual evidence
make different decisions; it can be difficult to stand up RI.2: Central idea and details
to adults and older teens.) What are some different RI.4: Interpret words and phrases
ways you can avoid situations where people are RI.7: Evaluate content in diverse formats
smoking? (Go to restaurants and other public areas W.1: Write opinion texts
where smoking is not allowed; ask your parents to W.2: Write informative texts
make sure no one smokes in your home.) W.7: Synthesize multiple texts when writing

WORKSHEETS ANSWER KEY

WORKSHEET 1: What Do You Know About the Dangers of Tobacco? (Assessment Quiz)
1. True; 2. False; 3. True; 4. False; 5. False; 6. False; 7. True; 8. True; 9. True; 10. False
WORKSHEET 2: Tobacco and the Body
1. Nicotine is addictive and makes it hard to stop smoking. In your brain, it can give you a sense of pleasure or make you feel alert.
But when these feelings wear off, your body craves more nicotine to bring these feelings back.
2. Answers may include that breathing in tobacco smoke can increase a child’s risk of ear infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Tobacco smoke can damage the cilia and tissue in the lungs. Tobacco smoke can damage the blood vessels, causing the heart to
Icon: pointer, PJ Souders/The Noun Project.

pump faster and harder.

3. Children of smokers may breathe in secondhand smoke. That can damage the lungs, making them more at risk for breathing
difficulties and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
WORKSHEET 3: Clear the Air
1. Answers will vary but may include that Kim should not get in the car or should ask Emily to put out the cigarette. Secondhand
smoke contains dangerous chemicals that can harm the body. Breathing in the smoke while riding in the car would be dangerous.
2. Answers may include that e-cigarettes contain the same addictive chemical as cigarettes. The nicotine can affect the way the brain
processes information and cause you to crave more. They may lead people to want to smoke tobacco cigarettes. Some e-cigarettes
also contain toxic chemicals that may cause cancer.
Worksheet 1 Pre-Assessment Post-Assessment

STUDENT INFORMATION Name: Grade:

What Do You Know

About the Dangers
of Tobacco?
Take the quiz below to find out how much you know
about the dangers of tobacco.

1. C
 igarette smoke contains dangerous chemicals that are found in
True False
gasoline, car exhaust, and household cleaners.

2. Only people who smoke are exposed to the dangers of tobacco smoke. True False

3. Roughly 70 of the chemicals found in tobacco smoke have been shown

True False
to cause cancer.

4. Unlike other more dangerous drugs, tobacco is not addictive. True False

5. Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are harmless because they don’t

True False
contain tobacco.

6. More teens and adults smoke today than 10 years ago. True False

7. Breathing in secondhand smoke from lit cigarettes or cigars increases a

True False
child’s risk of illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

8. The dangerous chemicals from tobacco smoke can stick around for days
True False
on furniture and other surfaces.

9. Tobacco smoke can harm nearly every organ in the human body. True False

10. As long as the window is open, it’s safe to be in a car with someone who
True False
is smoking.

How Did You Do?

8–10 correct: Congratulations! You know the facts about the dangers of tobacco.
4–7 correct: You’ve got a good grasp of the dangers of tobacco.
0–3 correct: You’ve got a good start. Do some research and also ask adults questions to learn
more about the dangers of tobacco.
Worksheet 2 Name:

Tobacco and the Body

Tobacco contains many chemicals that can harm the human body. Nicotine is found in all
tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, as well as in electronic cigarettes.
This chemical travels through the bloodstream to all parts of the body and is addictive. In addition,
the smoke from a lit cigarette or cigar contains more than 7,000 chemicals. Study the diagram
below to see the effects on the body.

Brain: Nicotine can reach

Ears: Children who are the brain within seconds after
exposed to secondhand smoke a person smokes or uses
have more ear infections. tobacco. The chemical changes
Germs get into the pocket of the way signals in the brain are
air behind the eardrum. That processed. It can make people
causes fluid to build up in the feel more alert or feel a sense
pocket, which leads to pain. of pleasure. But nicotine is
addictive. When the effects of
nicotine wear off, people feel a
Lungs: The chemicals in strong need to get more. That’s
smoke enter the pathways why it can be very difficult to stop
in the lungs where oxygen smoking once you start.
from the air is absorbed into
the body. The poisonous
chemicals damage the lungs’ Tongue: Your tongue is
cilia—fine hairs that help covered in taste buds. These
remove dirt from the air. The cells detect the flavors in food.
damage can make it more Using tobacco products can
difficult to breathe and cause damage the taste buds. People
a permanent cough. Children who smoke may not be able to
who breathe in smoke are more taste as well as nonsmokers.
likely to get illnesses such as Exposure to the chemicals
pneumonia and bronchitis. The from the use of other tobacco
chemicals can also damage cells products can also cause cancer
in the lungs and cause cancer. of the tongue and mouth.

Blood and Heart: Chemicals in tobacco smoke can change the way your blood flows. They
also damage the vessels that carry blood through your body. These changes can cause your heart
to beat harder and faster. That can increase a person’s risk of a heart attack.

Use the information in the diagram to answer the following questions.

(Write your answers on separate paper.)

1. W
 hat chemical makes it difficult to stop smoking once a person has started? Explain how.
2. Name at least three effects of breathing in tobacco smoke.
3. Explain why children who are around tobacco smoke may get sick with breathing illnesses.
Worksheet 3 Name:

Clear the Air

Tobacco and related products can seriously harm your health. That’s true even for people
who don’t use tobacco themselves. The smoke from lit cigarettes or cigars contains dangerous
chemicals. Breathing in secondhand smoke can increase your risk of illnesses such as bronchitis
and pneumonia. E-cigarettes often contain the dangerous drug nicotine, which is addictive.

Check out the situations below. On separate paper, write a paragraph explaining how you would
respond if you were in the situation. Think about what you could do and say to help you and the
people around you stay safe. Be sure to include facts in your answer.

Scenario 1: Helen and Kim are Scenario 2: Ryan is at the mall

going to the movies with Helen’s older with his older brother, Dylan, and his
sister, Emily, and her boyfriend. When brother’s friends from high school. They are
they pull up, Kim notices that Emily is talking about e-cigarettes.
smoking. Friend: “I heard e-cigarettes are not bad
Helen: “Hop in! We’re going to be late.” for you.”
Kim: “Um…” Dylan: “Yeah, they aren’t dangerous
Helen: “What’s the matter? My sister’s like real cigarettes.”
boyfriend is a really good driver.” Ryan: “But, Dylan, isn’t smoking bad?”
Dylan: “There’s no tobacco smoke, so
it’s not a big deal.”
Hop in! We’re going to be late.

I heard Yeah, they aren’t

e-cigarettes are dangerous like real
not bad for you. cigarettes.

But,
Dylan,
isn’t
Um... smoking
bad?

What’s the matter? There’s no

My sister’s boyfriend is tobacco
a really good driver. smoke, so
it’s not a
big deal.

Is it a good idea for Kim to ride in the

car? Explain what you would do or say
if you were her. What should Ryan say to his brother?
Write a paragraph about the dangers of Write a paragraph explaining the dangers
secondhand smoke to others in the car. of e-cigarettes to Dylan and his friends.
We Want to Hear From You!
Help Us Evaluate This Program—And Be Entered
to Receive Scholastic Gift Certificates and Books!
You can help us evaluate the success of these lessons and worksheets in two ways:
• STUDENT ASSESSMENTS: Send in your students’ completed assessments.
• TEACHER SURVEY: Share your teacher feedback on this program.
To thank you for supporting our mission of creating free, quality classroom materials, we will enter
you in a giveaway for Scholastic gift certificates and books. We value your expertise in helping us to
create valuable programs for teachers and students.

Student Assessments
Enter for a chance to receive a $100 Scholastic gift certificate (10 recipients)!
1  Before teaching the “Get Smart About Tobacco” lessons, conduct a pre-assessment by having
students complete Worksheet 1: “What Do You Know About the Dangers of Tobacco?”
Check the “pre-assessment” selection on each worksheet, and ensure that the student
name or identifier appears at the top of each worksheet.

2  Teach the “Get Smart About Tobacco” lessons.

3  Conduct a post-assessment by having students complete the same Worksheet 1.

Check the “post-assessment” selection on each worksheet, and ensure that the student
name or identifier appears at the top of each worksheet.

4 H
 ow to Enter: Mail in copies of the completed student pre- and post-assessments, along with
your name, address, grade(s) you teach, school name, phone number, and email address to:
Student Assessment, MM/Space 517, Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012


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Teacher Survey
Enter for a chance to receive 5 free books from Scholastic (50 recipients)!
How to Enter:
1 Complete the enclosed postage-paid teacher survey card and mail it in. You will be entered in a
drawing to receive free books from Scholastic!
OR
2 Go to scholastic.com/get_smart_about_tobacco/survey and complete the survey online.


You will be entered in a drawing to receive five (5) free books from Scholastic (50 recipients)!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Both the Student Assessment and Teacher Survey giveaways are open to legal residents of the 50 United States (including
the District of Columbia) who currently teach grades 3–5 and are 18 years of age or older. The deadline to enter both giveaways is January 30, 2016; entries
must be postmarked by January 30, 2016. Void where prohibited. Student Assessment Giveaway: To enter, mail in completed pre- and post-assessments to:
Student Assessment, MM/Space 517, Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY. All assessments must also include teacher name, address, grade(s) taught,
school name, phone number, and email address. Ten (10) recipients will each receive a $100 Scholastic gift certificate (total approximate retail value: $1,000).
For complete rules, go to scholastic.com/get_smart_about_tobacco/assessmentrules. Teacher Feedback: To enter, send a completed postage-paid post-
program survey card by mail or complete the online survey at: scholastic.com/get_smart_about_tobacco/feedbacksurvey. Fifty (50) recipients will each
receive five (5) free books from Scholastic. For complete rules, visit scholastic.com/surveyrules.

Sources for Poster/Teaching Guide: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: (2013) “Youth Risk Behavior Survey.” Gromysz-Kalkowska et al., Ann Univ
Mariae Curie Sklodowska Med: (2002) “Taste Perception of Cigarette Smokers.” Jamal et al., MMWR: (2014) “Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults—United
States, 2005–2013.” Matt et al., Environ Health Perspect: (2011) “Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke: Emerging Evidence and Arguments for a Multidisciplinary Research
Agenda.” National Center for Health Statistics: (1965–2011) “National Health Interview Survey.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: (2014) “The Health
Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General”; (2012) “Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of
the Surgeon General”; (2006) “The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General”; (2000) “Reducing Tobacco
Use: A Report of the Surgeon General.”
 Part 2 of 2

For
Grades
3–5 Teaching the
next generation
how to live
tobacco-free

Science, Health, and Language Arts Program

Dear Teacher, Inside:

Enclosed in this booklet you will find the take-home family pages of the
2 Bonus Worksheets
“Get Smart About Tobacco” tobacco-prevention program. We encourage (remove cover)
you to send the materials home with students to continue the important
conversation about the dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke
outside of the classroom.
SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved. 651187

As with many prevention programs, it is possible that some adults may

object to the materials. Let them know that the aim of the program is not
to criticize smokers or portray them as bad people. The goal is simply to
educate young people about the dangers of tobacco and secondhand
smoke. With that information, students can be empowered to make
decisions about tobacco that will keep them safe from harm. 30 Family Resource Guides
(one for each student)
The following pages also include bonus skill-building worksheets that
you can use in the classroom to expand on the knowledge students have
gained from the accompanying poster and teaching guide.
We hope that you will share the materials with your students and their families.

scholastic.com/get_smart_about_tobacco

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: (2013) “Trends in State and Federal Cigarette Generously supported
Tax and Retail Price—United States, 1970–2013.” Goniewicz, et al. Tobacco Control: (2014) “Levels by and developed with:
of Selected Carcinogens and Toxicants in Vapour From Electronic Cigarettes.” King, et al., Nicotine
and Tobacco Research: (2014) “Trends in Awareness and Use of E-cigarettes Among U.S. Adults,
2010–2013.” National Toxicology Program: (2014) “Report on Carcinogens, Twelfth Edition.” World
Health Organization: (2007) “IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans.
Volume 89: Smokeless Tobacco and Some Tobacco-Specific N-Nitrosamines.” FOUNDATION
Bonus Worksheet Overviews
COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS FOR ENGLISH
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Bonus Worksheet 1:
RI.7: Evaluate content in diverse formats
Tobacco: Calculating the Costs
COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICS:
OBJECTIVE: Students will calculate how much a typical
3.OA.A.3: Use multiplication and division to solve word
smoker spends on cigarettes over the course of various time
problems
periods. Then they will calculate how many of some of their
favorite items they could purchase for the same price.
ANSWERS:
SKILLS COVERED: Human Health; Multiplication and Tobacco: Calculating the Costs
Division; Compare Numbers; Critical Thinking
A.  Time Period* Cigarette Cost
DISCUSSION: After students complete the worksheet, have a 1 Day $6.00
classroom discussion about the results. Ask students: Are you 1 Week $42.00
surprised at how much money people spend on cigarettes? Do 1 Month (30 days) $180.00
you think tobacco should be expensive? Why or why not? 1 Year $2,190.00
5 Years $10,950.00
EXTENSION: Have students write a persuasive letter to
10 Years $21,900.00
convince someone not to start smoking. Ask them to use what
*Excluding leap days.
they learned about the health dangers of tobacco, as well as
the cost of cigarettes, to support their letter. B. Divide $2,190.00 by the unit cost of each favorite item to calculate
the number that could be bought.
ALIGNMENT WITH COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS
AND NATIONAL STANDARDS: C. Answers will vary but may include that people may be surprised at
how much they would need to spend on cigarettes. It may
 Health/Life Skills help convince them not to smoke.
 Math Skills
 Critical Thinking

Bonus Worksheet 2: Beyond Cigarettes Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts:
RI.1: Cite textual evidence
OBJECTIVE: Students will learn about e-cigarettes and
W.2: Write informative texts
other smokeless tobacco, and the dangers they pose to a
W.7: Synthesize multiple texts when writing
person’s health.
National Science Education Standards:
SKILLS COVERED: Human Health; Reading
Comprehension; Critical Thinking  Properties of objects and materials/Properties and
changes of properties in materials
DISCUSSION: Before using the worksheet, ask students:
 Characteristics of organisms/Structure and function in
What tobacco products other than cigarettes are you aware
living systems
of? What do they look like? Do they pose the same risks as
 Personal health
cigarettes? Why or why not? Have students complete the
worksheet individually or in groups. After everyone is done, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
have a class discussion. Explain: Many e-cigarettes are LS1-1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and
packaged in ways that attract young people, such as showing Processes
kid-friendly celebrities using them; including cartoons on the PS1: Matter and Its Interactions
package; or adding candy-type flavors to the devices. What
additional dangers might this pose? (It attracts young children
to the e-cigarettes; if people start using nicotine early they ANSWERS: Beyond Cigarettes
can get hooked and may want to use real cigarettes; etc.) 1. Both e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco contain nicotine.
Scientists don’t know as much about the effects of 2. People might think e-cigarettes are harmless because they don’t
e-cigarettes as they do about tobacco products. Then ask, contain tobacco and don’t produce toxic tobacco smoke.
Why is it important for scientists to research these products? 3. A
 nswers may include that with both e-cigarettes and regular
(To learn more about the long-term effects of these products cigarettes people inhale a substance and absorb nicotine through
on the body.) the lungs; they are both addictive because they contain nicotine.

EXTENSION: Have students make a poster warning people 4. Answers may include that using smokeless tobacco can damage
the tissues in the mouth and throat; It can lead to gum disease,
of the dangers of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. tooth decay, and cancer of the mouth and throat.
Alignment with Common Core State Standards and 5. Answers may include that e-cigarettes may not be the best way to
National Standards: stop smoking because they contain nicotine. People may continue
to crave cigarettes. Most adults who use e-cigarettes still smoke
 Health/Life Skills regular tobacco cigarettes.
 Science Literacy
 Reading Comprehension
 Critical Thinking
Bonus Worksheet 1 / Reproducible Name:

Tobacco:
Calculating
the Costs
Smoking cigarettes is not only harmful to one’s health. It also drains
one’s wallet. Complete the worksheet below to find out more.

A The
 national average cost of a pack of cigarettes today is roughly
$6.00. Complete the chart below to see how much money would
be spent on cigarettes over time. Assume that one pack of
cigarettes is purchased each day.

Time Period* Cigarette Cost

1 Day

1 Week

1 Month (30 days)

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years
*Excluding leap days.

B Research
 the costs of some of your favorite items or activities, such as a video game, a movie
ticket, or a bag of popcorn at the movies. Choose five of them and calculate how many of each
item or activity a person could pay for if they stopped buying cigarettes for one year.

Favorite Item or Activity Unit Cost How Many Could Be Bought?

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

C How
 could you use this information to help convince someone not to smoke?
Bonus Worksheet 2 / Reproducible Name:

Beyond When you think about the dangers of tobacco, you may
think only of products like cigarettes that are smoked.

Cigarettes
But there are nonsmoking products that also have
dangers. Study the table below to learn more about
these products. Then answer the questions that follow.

PRODUCT WHAT IS IT? WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?

Electronic E-cigarettes are battery- Many people think e-cigarettes are

cigarette, or operated devices. They do not harmless because they don’t burn
e-cigarette contain tobacco. Instead they tobacco. But most e-cigarettes
have a cartridge filled with a contain the same addictive chemical
liquid that contains nicotine, as cigarettes, which is nicotine.
flavorings, and other chemicals. Plus, tests of some e-cigarettes
When used, e-cigarettes turn have shown that they possess toxic
the liquid into a vapor that chemicals like formaldehyde, a
is inhaled. Nicotine from the substance that can cause cancer
vapor is absorbed into the body in animals. The liquid inside
through the lungs. The sale e-cigarettes can be poisonous if
and production of e-cigarettes someone drinks or touches it. Many
are not as strictly controlled as adult smokers use e-cigarettes to
tobacco cigarettes. Most states try to quit smoking. But many adult
ban the sale of e-cigarettes to smokers who use e-cigarettes still
people under 18. smoke tobacco cigarettes.

Smokeless Smokeless tobacco is made Smokeless tobacco has many of

tobacco (includes of treated tobacco leaves. the same health risks as cigarettes.
chewing tobacco, Most people chew on the People who use these products
snuff, or dip) leaves or place them between can become addicted to nicotine.
their cheeks and their gums. Smokeless tobacco also contains
Nicotine from the tobacco is toxic chemicals that can damage
absorbed into the body through tissues in the mouth and throat.
tissues in the mouth. People may develop gum disease,
tooth decay, or cancer of the mouth
and throat.

QUESTIONS: (Write your answers on separate paper.)

1 Which
 of the products in the table 4 What
 are two dangers of chewing tobacco?
contain nicotine?
5 Suppose
 someone said they wanted to quit
2 Why
 might some people think e-cigarettes smoking. They decided to use e-cigarettes
are harmless? instead. What would you say to them?

3 What
 are two ways e-cigarettes are similar
to tobacco cigarettes?
 Family Resource Guide
Teaching the
next generation
how to live
tobacco-free
Dear Families,
Welcome to “Get Smart About Tobacco,” a grades 3–5
educational program developed by the CVS Health Foundation
in collaboration with Scholastic Inc. to build student classroom
skills, teach about the dangers of tobacco, and encourage
discussions between you and your child.

You may think it’s too early to talk with your child about tobacco.
But a recent national survey showed that five percent of eighth
graders had already tried their first cigarette by the end of fifth
grade. Another study suggests that teaching elementary-school
kids about the dangers of tobacco can decrease smoking rates
in later years. That’s important because studies have shown that
people who begin smoking earlier are more likely to develop a
severe addiction to nicotine.
CREATE A
The good news is that fewer youths and adults are smoking HEALTHY HOME
today. But the use of products such as electronic cigarettes, Kids who grow up in a smoke-free
which contain the same addictive chemical—nicotine—as real home are healthier and less likely to
cigarettes, is on the rise in middle and high school students. become smokers themselves. Here are
some tips to help you create a healthy,
It can be difficult to talk to your children about tobacco, tobacco-free home:
especially if you use it yourself. Think carefully about what to  Insist on a smoke-free home.
say. Share lessons that you have learned from your experiences, Don’t smoke, and don’t let others
such as how difficult it can be to quit. Make it clear that you don’t smoke inside your home.
SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.

want your children to smoke.  Visit family-friendly restaurants and

areas that are smoke-free. Even
We hope that you will use the tips and resources in this guide to if no one is currently smoking,
create a safe, tobacco-free environment for your children. chemicals can remain on surfaces
days after smoking occurred.
Sincerely,  Ensure that places where your
children spend time—such as
Ann Amstutz Hayes Eileen Howard Boone at a day care or a friend’s or
Vice President and Group Publisher President relative’s house—are smoke-free.
Scholastic Inc. CVS Health Foundation  Encourage a healthy lifestyle in
your home. As a family, set health
goals each week and write them
down where you all can see them.
For example, pledge to eat healthy
SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: MMWR: (2015) “Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School greens at every dinner, take a long
Students—United States, 2011–2014”; (2014) “Smoking and Youth”; (2013) “Youth Risk Behavior Survey”; (2012)
“Protecting Your Children from Tobacco Use.” Gilman, et al., Pediatrics: (2009) “Parental Smoking and Adolescent walk on the weekend, or drink
Smoking Initiation: An Intergenerational Perspective on Tobacco Control.” Goniewicz, et al., Tobacco Control: (2014)
“Levels of Selected Carcinogens and Toxicants in Vapour from Electronic Cigarettes.” Jamal, et al., MMWR: (2014) “Current
enough water each day.
Cigarette Smoking Among Adults—United States, 2005–2013.” Johnston, et al.: (2014) “Monitoring the Future National
Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975–2013—Vol. 1, Secondary School Students.” Matt, et al., Environ Health Perspect: (2011)
“Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke: Emerging Evidence and Arguments for a Multidisciplinary Research Agenda.” National
Center for Health Statistics: (1965–2011) “National Health Interview Survey.” U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services: (2014) “The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General”; (2010) Generously supported
“A Report of the Surgeon General: How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking- by and developed with:
Attributable Disease”; (2006) “The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the
Surgeon General.” FOUNDATION

CVS_THP.indd 1 9/28/15 12:19 PM

 The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
About half of children between the ages of 3 and 18 are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. They may be
exposed in homes or in places like restaurants where smoking is not yet banned. Exposure to the chemicals in
secondhand smoke can be particularly dangerous for children, whose lungs are still developing.

 Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes off  Children who are regularly
a lit cigarette, pipe, or cigar or that is exhaled by exposed to secondhand
a smoker. smoke have a greater risk of ear
infections, respiratory problems,
 Tobacco smoke contains
and illnesses, such as bronchitis
more than 7,000 chemicals,
and pneumonia. Secondhand
including toxic ingredients
smoke can increase the frequency
found in pesticides and car
and severity of attacks in children with asthma.
exhaust. Roughly 70 of the
chemicals in tobacco smoke  Chemicals from tobacco smoke can stick
are believed to cause cancer. to surfaces days after someone smokes.
This is called “thirdhand smoke.”

E-CIGARETTES: A GROWING CONCERN

While smoking has decreased among youth in recent years, the use of products such as
e-cigarettes is on the rise in middle and high school students. Many people mistakenly think these
products are safe because they don’t contain tobacco. Here are some facts you should know:

 Like tobacco cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, W

 hile no data has been collected yet, many
or e-cigarettes, contain nicotine. This chemical experts fear that using e-cigarettes will drive
is highly addictive, especially in young people teens to turn to tobacco-containing products.
whose brains are still developing. E
 -cigarettes are not currently regulated by the
 The liquid inside e-cigarettes is poisonous. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but
Drinking or touching it can be toxic. most states ban the sale to people under the
 Tests on e-cigarettes have shown that age of 18.
some contain toxic chemicals, including  The packaging of e-cigarettes is often targeted
formaldehyde—a chemical that is believed toward children, with tie-ins to celebrities, sports,
to cause cancer. and music and with sweet, candy-like flavors.

Reasons to Quit
If you smoke, here are some reminders of the reasons to stop.
 Secondhand smoke puts your children at risk. Smoking in the other
room or opening a window is not enough to protect your children from
the dangerous chemicals in tobacco smoke.
 Your actions affect the behavior of your children. Children who grow up
in homes where people smoke are more likely to smoke and to become
heavier smokers at a younger age.
 Using tobacco puts you at risk for serious disease. That’s bad news
Quit Smoking
for your children, too. The good news is that studies show that your
body starts healing as soon as you stop smoking. After 15 years of Resources:
not smoking, your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that  1-800-QUIT-NOW
of a nonsmoker.  smokefree.gov

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