Curriculum Support and Resources

Last revised: May 9, 2023

Photo of a person washing their hands with soap in the sink
Hygiene

 

 

Active Living / Injury Prevention

Online resources from Ottawa Public Health - Active Living / Injury Prevention

Our pages / Target audience

Description

Active Living

Ottawa Public Health 

 (for general public)

Healthy Living:

  • How much do I need?
  • Helmet Safety
  • Start Cycling
  • Walk More
  • Where to be Active

Parenting in Ottawa

 (for parents)
  • Active Transportation

The LINK Ottawa

 (for youth and young adults)
  • Tips for youth to add more physical activity into their lives
  • Reward Apps

Injury Prevention

Ottawa Public Health

(for general public)
  • Helmet Safety
  • Sun Safety and Tanning
  • Water Safety
  • Playground Safety

Parenting in Ottawa

(for parents)
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Drug and Medication Safety
  • Helmet Safety
  • Walking and Cycling Safety
  • Sun Safety
  • Keeping children safe during hot weather
  • Mosquito and Tick Bites
  • Playground Safety
  • Water Safety

The LINK Ottawa 

(for youth and young adults)
  • Distracted driving
  • Staying safe while active
  • Sun safety
  • Water safety
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Online resources from other organizations  - Active Living / Injury Prevention

Organization

 Description

24 Hour Movement Guidelines 

 Physical activity/movement guidelines, including 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years and Children and Youth. 

Active for Life

Resources for developing physical literacy. 
Lesson plans for 3-12 year olds 

Lesson plan builder 

Lesson plan modules 

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability 

(English only)  

 Supporting inclusion in physical activity programming, policies and social and physical environments. 
Resources include toolkits, tip sheets, Youth Ambassador Advocacy Kit and much more. 

Child and Nature Alliance of Canada 

(English only) 

Connecting children and youth with nature through policy, research, and practice 
Resources for Educators, including information on  Forest and nature schools 

Health and Physical Education (2019)  

The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1–8: Health and Physical Education 

Healthy Canadians  

Being active: Benefits of adding activity to your lifestyle, recommended guidelines, encouraging children to be active, playing safely. 

Jump Rope for Heart

Jump is about kids helping kids across Canada every year in physical activity to build healthy habits for life! 
New this year, schools can run Jump in school or virtually – with support from Jump Rope for Heart  

Teacher resources including a Teacher’s Jump planning guide and lesson plans for Grade K-6 

Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (Ophea) 

Daily Physical Activity – Lesson plans, supplements and activities.  

On The Move  

 Building better sport through gender equity. Experts on systemic change strive to build a stronger, more equitable sport system for girls and women and for all Canadians. 

ParticipACTION  

Build your best day program. Interactive activities for students. Fact sheets, activity posters, games and more.

Physical & Health Education Canada

Programs to ensure that children are receiving the very best physical activity and physical and health education programming designed to be inclusive, fun and support the development of the whole child.

Right to Play 

 For First Nations, Inuit, Métis children and youth.  
Community-led programs teach life skills so youth can reach their full potential. 

Sport for Life  

Sport for Life strives to improve opportunities for enhanced physical literacy programming, prepare more Canadians to pursue excellence in sport, and increase the likelihood of Canadians staying active for life. 

Resources for athletes with a disability, best practices, physical literacy, parents, coaches and implementation. 

Unstructured Play  

 The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) recognizes unstructured play as a child’s right and a critical component to child and youth health and well-being; Canadian Public Health Association Advocacy Position Statements. 

Active Transportation

Ottawa Student Transportation Authority

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) is responsible for all home-to-school transportation on behalf of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB). 

OSTA delivers safe and efficient transportation services to students at both its Member School Boards using yellow buses, wheelchair buses, school purpose vans and School Active Transportation programs. 

Active Transportation Resource page 
Toolkit for Educators 

Walking School Bus 

EnviroCentre – School Active Transportation

Committed to advancing active and sustainable transportation options for Ottawa residents. School active transportation means getting to and from school (or part of the way) by walking, cycling, or scooting 
Information on the Walking School Bus Program. 

School Active Transportation Resources  

Ottawa Safety Council

  

The Ottawa Safety Council is a not-for-profit organization offering an array of programs and services to the residents of Ottawa. Our programs include School Zone Safety (Crossing Guards, Pedestrian Safety, Walking School Bus, Bicycle Safety and Booster Seat Safety). 

Information on the Walking School Bus Program 

Information on Booster Seat Safety

Ontario Active School Travel

Information and tips for increase active school travel. 

Includes: 

School Travel Planning toolkit 

Concussions

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)

Information to help you better understand, cope with and/or support someone with a concussion.

Ministry of Education of Ontario -

Information for parents, educators, students and coaches on concussion prevention, identification and management.

Memorandum to provide direction to school boards on the development and implementation of their concussion policy.  

Ophea -

 Toolkit developed to help schools and classrooms recognize Rowan’s Law Day and encourage students to speak up about concussions.

Ophea -

 Concussion protocol and implementation tools.

Parachute Canada -

Concussion guide for teachers.

Parachute Canada -

 Informative and fun half-day neuroscience presentation for students in grades 4 to 6. Students learn about parts of the brain and about protecting their brain and spinal cord. This program is coordinated through the University of Ottawa.

Road and Cycling Safety
Ontario Road Safety Learning tools and teaching aids organized by grade level and topic. For K-12.

Sun Safety
Canadian Cancer Society  SunSense Certification – Acknowledges and celebrates schools that have created a sun safe environment to protect students and staff from harmful ultraviolet radiation. 

Water Safety
Life Saving Society Swim to Survive – Training program for students in grade 3.

The above-mentioned websites contain information created, published, maintained or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of the City of Ottawa. Although we have reviewed these sites, no guarantee can be made to their accuracy or availability. 

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Dental Health

Resources - Dental Health

Name of the resource / Target audience

Description of the resource

Photo of the resource

Dental bin

JK to grade 4

This comprehensive user-friendly dental resource bin contains videos, books, posters, healthy eating game, teaching models, as well as the Dental Health Education Module that includes lesson plans, activity sheets, background information and an evaluation section.  The Module also contains information to send home to parents to help promote dental health at home.   

Image of dental bin items and books

Dental box

JK to grade 4

This basic user-friendly dental resource box contains healthy eating games, teaching models, as well as a simplified dental health lesson plans.   

 Image of items in dental box, activities and toothbrush
Online resources from Ottawa Public Health - Dental Health

Our pages / Target audience

Description

Ottawa Public Health

(for general public)

Parenting in Ottawa

(for parents)

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Online resources from other organizations - Dental Health

Organization

Description

Canadian Dental Association

Children activities and teaching resources to promote the importance of oral health to children in a fun way.

Healthy Smiles Ontario

Free dental care program for children 17 years old and under, if eligible. Designed for lower-income families in need of support.

The above-mentioned websites contain information created, published, maintained or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of the City of Ottawa. Although we have reviewed these sites, no guarantee can be made to their accuracy or availability. 

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Growth & Development / Sexual Health

 Resources - Growth & Development / Sexual Health

Name of the resource and target audienceDescription of the resourcePhoto of the resource

Puberty presentation and support

Grade 5

Your Public Health Nurse can provide puberty support with a presentation to student, covering hygiene, changes during puberty and reproductive system.

 

Contact your Public Health Nurse for more information. 

  Title page of presentation

Sexuality kit

Grades 7 to 12

This activity kit includes samples of the different methods of contraception and sexually transmitted infection prevention as well as the Condom Game and the Objections to Condom Game. The games are interactive activities and talking points for students. The Condom Game includes the steps for correctly putting on a condom which students need to place in the correct order. The Objections to Condom Game comprises 12 cards with excuses/objections to using a condom and 12 rebuttals for why a condom should be used. Youth need to match up the excuse/objection with the appropriate rebuttal. 

  

Contact your Public Health Nurse for more information. 

  Image of sexuality kit, including different methods on contraception

Healthy sexuality presentation and support

Grades 7 and 9 to 12

Your Public Health Nurse can provide healthy sexuality support including the sexuality kit or a presentation to students. A variety of topics and activities are available (grade dependent) with regard to pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted and/or blood born infections (STBBIs). 

  

Contact your Public Health Nurse for more information.

  Image of presentation slide, title page

Sexuality wheel

Grades 7 to 12

This display is ideal for a health fair setting as an interactive, educational tool when teaching students about sexual health. Students spin the wheel, land on a category and a Public Health Nurse asks them a question corresponding to the chosen category. There is an option to hide categories on the wheel with a blank pie piece if the category is not appropriate for the setting where the wheel is being used.

 

A Public Health Nurse must accompany this display.

  Image of game wheel
 Online resources from Ottawa Public Health - Growth & Development / Sexual Health
 
Our pages / Target audienceDescription

Ottawa Public Health

(for general public)
  • Information on different types of birth control
  • Sexual Health Clinics and services in Ottawa
  • Sexually Transmitted and/or Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs)
  • Men’s Sexual Health (Guys into guys)
  • Where to find free condoms in Ottawa
  • Test & Go (clinic times for quick routine STBBI testing)

Parenting in Ottawa - Children

Parenting in Ottawa - Youth

(for parents)
  • Talking to your child about puberty
  • Talking to your teen about puberty and Sexual Health
 

The LINK Ottawa

(for youth and young adults)
  • Sexual Health Clinics and Services
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections and/or Blood Born Infections (STBBIs)
  • Birth Control options
  • Pregnancy
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Sexuality, Gender, and Cultural Diversity
  • My body, My health (reproductive systems, puberty, vaginal health, masturbation, body image)
  • Sex it Smart (get free condoms)
 Online resources from other organizations - Growth & Development / Sexual Health
 
OrganizationDescription

Ophea -

 Downloadable resources and support teaching adolescent growth and development, personal hygiene and healthy active living. For grades 5-8.

Planned Parenthood Ottawa

 Provides education, counselling, information and referrals.

PREVNet

 Healthy Dating Relationships Guide.

Public Health Agency of Canada

 Information on Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sexual Health Facts and Information for the public.

Sex Information & Education Council of Canada (Sieccan)

Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education provide guidance to educators and policy makers for the development and evaluation of comprehensive evidence-based sexual health education in Canada. (2019)

Also includes: Sexual Health Education for Youth with Physical Disabilities; Sexual Orientation in Schools; Gender Identity in Schools; Relationships and Sexual Health during COVID-19.

Teaching Sexual Health

Teacher portal from Alberta Education. Teacher guide on how to respond to student questions and manage sensitive issues. Includes lesson plans, tools and grade-specific resources.

 

Differing Abilities: Lesson plans for students who may experience challenges in their social and emotional development in comparison to typically developing students.    The lesson plans often give options for students who may need more support versus activities where students can work more independently or in small groups.

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) –

 Information on sexual and reproductive health. Includes LGBTTQ+, healthy relationships and consent. 

The above-mentioned websites contain information created, published, maintained or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of the City of Ottawa. Although we have reviewed these sites, no guarantee can be made to their accuracy or availability.

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Healthy Eating

Resources - Healthy Eating

 Name of the resource and target audience

  Description of the resource Photo of the resource

 

 

 

Nutrition mini kit

Grades 2 to 6

This nutrition mini kit is a tool to help teach students the importance of healthy nutrition. The kit consists of these topics:   

  • Lunch  
  • Snacks  
  • Vegetable and fruit  
  • Canada’s Food Guide (2019)  

The kit includes background information for teachers, food pictures, activities and factsheets.     

 

Table with food images
Online resources from Ottawa Public Health - Healthy Eating

Our pages / Target audience

Description

Ottawa Public Health

(for general audience)

Parenting in Ottawa

(for parents)

The LINK Ottawa

(for youth and young adults)

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Online resources from other organizations - Healthy Eating

Organization

Description

Bright Bites (Gr. K-8)   

Developed by Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH) to boost student well-being. Teachers and other school leaders can use the resources available to facilitate lessons and programs. BrightBites can help you to:

  • Provide a healthy classroom environment
  • Provide hands-on opportunities to build food literacy
  • Support students in developing healthy relationships with food
  • Use Canada’s Food Guide 

Canada’s Food Guide  

Cookspiration: Recipes and menu planning  

Recipe ideas, with photos, to fit any palate or appetite. Recipes include nutritional details. 

Food Allergy Canada: School Resources  
(Gr. K-12)  

This page contains resources, information and links for schools regarding allergy management. Topics include:  Identification of at-risk students, training and education, avoidance strategies and much more.  

Foodland Ontario - Kids Corner  

 Kids Corner to learn about wholesome Ontario foods, recipes, food facts, buying local, finding local and more! 

Freggie Tales  
(Gr. 1-6)  

 Children’s program to encourage consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Includes lesson plans and interactive online games for students. For grades 1-6. 

Growing Chefs in Ontario Lesson Plans  
(Gr. 1-8)  

Curriculum-linked lesson plans, activities & resources for teachers and homeschoolers. These new Growing Chefs! Lesson Plans are designed to offer safe ways to continue learning about food while teachers and students are navigating at home and in school adjusted learning structures while aiding students in meeting Learning Expectations cited in the Ontario Elementary School Curriculum.  

Subjects include: Food systems, Value of food and Taste like a chef.    

Media Smarts: Food Marketing  
(Gr. K-12)  

 Lesson plans and resources for teachers to educate students on understanding food advertising and how this may influence their food choices.   

OPHEA Healthy Schools Healthy Communities: Planning Supports  

Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) is a registered provincial charity providing quality curriculum and classroom supports for educators.     

School Breakfast Program - Ottawa Network for Education    

Providing students in need with a nutritious breakfast – giving them the chance to start their day ready to learn on equal footing with their peers. 

With support from individual and corporate donors, volunteers, educators, the City of Ottawa, and the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, we ensure that local children and youth have the energy their growing bodies and developing brains need to succeed in school. 

Student Nutrition Program Resources: Ontario Dietitians in Public Health

(English only):  
(Gr. K-12)  

The online learning modules are designed for program coordinators, school staff, administrators, and volunteers who are delivering and/or interested in student nutrition programs.  

  

Completing these learning modules will help you to understand and apply the MCCSS (Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services) Student Nutrition Program Nutrition Guidelines.  

The Healthy Eating Manual

 Lesson plans and activities to incorporate healthy eating information into programs.

The Student Body: Promoting Health at Any Size  
(English only) (Gr. 7-8)  

Derrière le miroir : Image corporelle   
(French only) (Gr. 7-8)  

Instruction and resources for teachers to facilitate interactive classroom activities focusing on healthy eating habits.  

 

The Derriere le miroir : Image corporelle’s campaign is an initiative of the organization ÉquiLibre. ÉquiLibre's mission is to prevent and reduce problems related to weight and body image in the population, through actions that encourage and facilitate the development of a positive body image and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. 

UnlockFood Children’s Nutrition  

 UnlockFood.ca helps to connect you with a dietitian and helps you find the nutrition and food information when you need it. 
Information on nutrition, food and healthy eating, as well as recipes, videos and online tools. 

The above-mentioned websites contain information created, published, maintained or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of the City of Ottawa. Although we have reviewed these sites, no guarantee can be made to their accuracy or availability.

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Hygiene

Resources - Hygiene

Resource name and target audience

Resource description

Picture of resource

Handwashing poster

All grades

Printable bilingual poster that illustrates the 6-steps to proper hand washing.

 

Download poster (pdf - 2 MB)

 Photo of handwashing poster

BAGS

(Be a Germ Stopper)

JK to grade 3

BAGS (Be a Germ Stopper) is a resource which aims to support K-3 teachers with classroom and curriculum support for handwashing and other infection control measures with their students.  It includes downloadable lesson plans, games and activities as well as resources including videos and songs.

 

Be a Germ Stopper - Teacher Resource (pdf – 2 MB) This document is intended to be used as a print resource and is not in an accessible format.

  Image of title page of Be a Germ Stopper resource

Hygiene kit

Grades 4 to 6

The kit contains hygiene information cards, classroom activities, labelled product samples and fact sheets to teach students about personal hygiene. 

 Image of hygiene products

Smelling Smelly DVD

Grades 4 to 6

This 9-minute DVD will show students the importance of personal hygiene. 

  Image of DVD case

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Online resources from Ottawa Public Health - Hygiene

Our pages / Target Audience

Description

Ottawa Public Health

(for general public)
  • Cleaning and disinfection checklist
  • Cleaning and disinfection of toys
  • Chain of infection
  • Hand hygiene for infants and young children
  • Hand hygiene resources
  • Environmental cleaning and disinfection in child care centres and schools

Parenting in Ottawa - Children

 

Parenting in Ottawa - Youth

(for parents)
  • Hand Hygiene and children, proper hand washing technique
  • Using Hand Sanitizer
  • Washing a young child’s hands
  • Body, face, hair and nail care

The LINK Ottawa - Vaginal Health

 

The LINK Ottawa - Penis Care

(for youth and young adults)

 

  • Information and tips on vaginal health and penis care.

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Mental Health

Resources - Mental Health

Resource name and target audience

Resource description

Picture of resource

MindMasters 2

JK to grade 3

MindMasters 2 is a mental health promotion resource that helps children to master emotional regulation through relaxation, positive thinking and mindfulness.
It introduces children to these skills in fun and age-appropriate ways. With practice, children can use these skills on their own, in a variety of settings throughout their lifetime.

MindMasters 2 was developed by the Child and Youth Health Network for Eastern Ontario and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. It is now a program of Ottawa Public Health. It is designed for adults (both parents and professionals) to use with children ages 4-9 years. 

It includes a guidebook (with instructions, discussion questions and link to the Ontario Elementary curriculum) printable templates and media files (audio tracks, videos, songs). 

 

MindMasters 2 - View/download program files.

  Photo of MindMasters2

Healthy Transitions

Grades 4 and 6

Healthy Transitions is a program designed to promote mental health in young adolescents while meeting expectations from the Ontario Curriculum. Through interactive activities, videos and group discussions, students will learn skills and attitudes important for positive mental health and resilience, including where and how to ask for help.  

​

Healthy Transitions now offers two sessions for grade 4 students and two sessions for grade 6 students. Each session includes a detailed outline and directions for facilitating the session, student worksheets and optional PowerPoint presentations to be used in the session. 

 

Grade 4 

Session 1: Coping with Stress ​

Session 2: Emotions and Stigma

Grade 6

Session 1: Thought, Feelings, Actions​

Session 2: Communication

  

A Public Health Nurse from Ottawa Public Health can support school staff in the delivery of the program. Please contact your Public Health Nurse if support is required.

 

 

*These documents are intended to be used as print resources or classroom presentations and are not in an accessible format.

Image of Healthy Transitions cover page


Image of Healthy Transitions cover page

Mental Health Block Game

Grades 9 to 12

An interactive block game used to engage students about mental health. 

Questions are asked with the goal of starting a dialogue about reducing stigma, building resiliency, talking about mental health and building social connections. 

Students then move one of the blocks while attempting to keep the structure balanced.

 

This activity must be staffed by a Public Health Nurse.

  Wooden blocks stacked like tower

haveTHATtalk Youth Activity Guide

Grades 9 to 12

The haveTHATtalk videos and HaveTHATtalk Youth Activity Guide use short whiteboard video clips and interactive activities to assist youth to:

  • Be more comfortable talking about mental health
  • Learn ways to improve mental health
  • Know where to get help and resources for mental health

Videos and activities can be completed in sequence, individually or as appropriate for the needs of the group.  To access this resource, go to haveTHATTalk.ca

  Photo of Have THAT talk youth activity guide

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Online resources from Ottawa Public Health - Mental Health

Our pages / Target Audience

Description

Ottawa Public Health

(for general public)

Parenting in Ottawa - Children 

 

Parenting in Ottawa - Youth

 

Parenting in Ottawa - Pathway to School (School Readiness)

(for parents)
  • Anxiety and Stress in Children
  • Attachment
  • Body Image and Self Esteem
  • Bullying
  • Brain Development in Children
  • Behaviour and Temperament in Children
  • Self-Regulation in Children
  • Resiliency in Children
  • Sense of Agency
  • Bullying
  • Body Image and Self-esteem in Youth
  • Responding to Stressful Events
  • Gambling

The LINK Ottawa

(for youth and young adults)
  • How to Deal with Stress
  • Body Confidence
  • Bullying
  • Building Social Connections
  • How to Ask for Help
  • Reducing Stigma
  • Gambling

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Online resources from other organizations - Mental Health

Organization

Description

Media Smarts

Resources and lesson plans on body image. For K-12.

Ophea

This site includes everything anyone who teaches kids needs to enable children and youth to lead healthy active lives.

Physical & Health Education Canada - 

Simple-to-use strategies and tools to assess resilience needs and provide resources to promote and enhance teacher and student mental health.

School Mental Health Ontario

Lesson plans created in collaboration with Ophea to support stress management and healthy coping skills. Each lesson plan is organized by different age groups: early years, grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12.

Youth Net

Offers presentations on mental health and engage in healthy activities to reduce stigma, promote positive coping strategies, and encourage reaching out for help. For grades 7-12.

Live Virtual Workshop: How 2 Help a Friend

Learning Outcome: This workshop helps youth to understand the importance of help-seeking as well as offering support in caring, non-judgmental ways to friends and loved ones. It encourages youth to recognize and set healthy boundaries, prioritizing safety and developing strong support networks among youth and their trusted adult allies.

Skills Taught: Mental Health Literacy, Positive Peer Support Skills, Help-Seeking/Offering Behaviours

Live Virtual Workshop: StressLESS

Learning Outcome: This workshop helps youth to effectively understand stress and its effects, to identify and apply appropriate coping strategies for different kinds of stressors. It further encourages them to practice new, positive coping skills while connecting them with additional resources to manage stress.

Skills Taught: Mental Health Literacy, Stress Management, Awareness of Resources and Coping Tools

Live Virtual Workshop: Wellness 101

Learning Outcome: This workshop helps youth to develop an understanding of fundamental concepts related to mental health (e.g., the mind-body connection, factors that impact mental and physical health, the effects of stigma, etc.,), to learn about maintaining their own mental health, and encourages youth to break down barriers to utilizing mental health resources.

Skills Taught: Mental Health Literacy, Basic Wellness Habits, Help-Seeking Behaviours

The above-mentioned websites contain information created, published, maintained or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of the City of Ottawa. Although we have reviewed these sites, no guarantee can be made to their accuracy or availability.

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Screen Time / Internet Safety

Online resources from Ottawa Public Health - Screen time / Internet Safety

Our pages / Target audience

Description

Parenting in Ottawa

(for parents)

Includes information on recommended daily screen time use.

The LINK Ottawa

(for youth and young adults)

Includes information on the importance of building social connections and limiting screen time.

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Online resources from other organizations - Screen time / Internet Safety

Organization

Description

Media Smarts

Includes lessons, resources, tip sheets, PD and classroom tutorials on online safety. Includes sexting. For grades 4-8.

Ophea - 

Online resource addressing internet safety for students. For grades 4-6. 

 Ottawa Police Service

Tips for safe internet use. Includes tips on online interactions and online bullying.

The above-mentioned websites contain information created, published, maintained or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of the City of Ottawa. Although we have reviewed these sites, no guarantee can be made to their accuracy or availability.

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Addictions and Substance Use Health

Resources - Addictions and Substance Use Health

Resource name and target audience

Resource descriptionPicture of resource

Tobacco, Vaping and Lung Health presentation 

Grade 4 

The presentation explores the general topic of tobacco, substances found in tobacco & vaping products, methods of consumption, nicotine, addiction, short-term and long-term health effects of first- and second-hand smoke. Recovery and well-being, stigma and stigma prevention, and person-first language, are also discussed. 

 

This program can be delivered by an educator with the support of a facilitator's guide. 

 

Please contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information. 

 Image of presentation slide, showing healthy lungs

Image of presentation slide, showing information on nicotine

Pig’s Lungs 

Grade 4

 

Note: This display is paired with the Tobacco, Vaping and Lung Health presentation when presented by a Public Health Nurse.

The inflatable pig's lungs provide an excellent opportunity to teach students about the effects of smoking. The display includes one healthy lung, a dried cross-section of a lung, a jar of “tar” and one diseased lung, which simulates the effects of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.

 

This activity must be staffed by a Public Health Nurse.

  

Contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information.

  Nurse doing demo of inflatable lungs

Alcohol presentation

Grade 5

This presentation covers multiple areas related to alcohol and its use including how it affects the body, what is meant by a standard drink, alcohol poisoning/overdose, and other potential health risks. Recovery and well-being, stigma and stigma prevention, and person-first language, are also discussed.

 

This program can be delivered by an educator with the support of a facilitator's guide. 

  

Contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information.

 Photo of a slide of the presentation showing different alcoholic drinks
Photo of slide containing a multiple choice question about alcohol

Cannabis presentation

Grade 6

This presentation covers multiple areas related to cannabis including the general topic of cannabis, methods of use, THC vs CBD, addiction and recovery, how it affects the body and other potential health risks. Recovery and well-being, stigma and stigma prevention, and person-first language, are also discussed

 

This program can be delivered by an educator with the support of a facilitator's guide. 

  

Please contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information.

 Photo of presentation slide containing marijuana

Image of presentation slide, showing a multiple choice question on cannabis

Substance use health wheel

Grades 7 to 12

 

(Coming soon)

This interactive display is ideal for a health fair or as an educational tool for youth regarding substance use. Students spin the wheel, land on a category and a Public Health Nurse asks them a question corresponding to the chosen category. Grade dependent, categories include alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, opioids, vaping as well as refusal skills, ways to party safer and prescription versus non-prescription drugs. 

 

This activity must be staffed by a Public Health Nurse.

 

Please contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information.

 

Image of substance wheel

Substance block game

Grades 7 to 12

 

(Coming soon)

An interactive block game used to engage students about cannabis and vaping.

 

Questions are asked with the goal of starting a dialogue about the health effects, legalities, and impacts of cannabis and vaping use. Students then move one of the blocks while attempting to keep the structure balanced.

 

This activity must be staffed by a Public Health Nurse.

Contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information.

 Photo of block game

 

Vaping presentation

Grades 9 to 12

This presentation covers multiple areas related to vaping and its use including youth marketing tactics and potential health risks. Harm reduction, stigma, and recovery are also briefly presented.

 

This program can be delivered by an educator with the support of a facilitator's guide. 


Please contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information.

 Image of presentation slide, showing vaping products

Image of presentation slide, showing a multiple choice question on vaping

Opioid presentation

Grades 9 to 12

This presentation explores the general topic of opioids, fentanyl, addiction, substance use disorder, the effects on the body, overdose signs & symptoms, and what to do in case of an opioid overdose including naloxone. Recovery and well-being, stigma and stigma prevention, and person-first language are also discussed.

 

This program can be delivered by an educator with the support of a facilitator's guide. 


Please contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information.

Image of presentation slide, showing an open bottle of pills

Image of presentation slide, showing a multiple choice question on opioids

Spectrum of substance use health presentation

Grades 9 to 12

 

 

This presentation helps participants understand the full spectrum of substance use health, including no use, beneficial use, lower use guidelines, problems occurring, and substance use disorder (SUD). This presentation also touches on what is meant by substance, substance use health, and the difference between addiction and SUD. Recovery and well-being, stigma and stigma prevention, and person-first language, are also discussed.

 

Please contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for more information.

  Image of spectrum of substance use health

Party safer presentation

Grades 9 to 12

This pre-recorded presentation highlights the importance of looking out for each other while at prom, parties, festivals, and other events. This presentation explores the general topics of alcohol, cannabis, opioids, MDMA, as well as signs and symptoms of drug poisoning and overdose, and when and where to get help if needed. It also addresses consent, bystander intervention, sexual health and party safer tips.

 

Please contact your school’s Public Health Nurse for the link to the video and/or more information.

 

 Image of young people partying

 
Online resources from Ottawa Public Health - Addictions and Substance Use Health

Our pages / Target audience

Description

Ottawa Public Health - 

(for parents)
  • Cannabis
  • Discarded Needles in our Community
  • Fentanyl and Carfentanil
  • Find Your Way Community Resource Guide
  • Harm Reduction Services in Ottawa
  • Local Resources
  • Naloxone
  • Preventing and Responding to an Overdose
  • Secure your Meds

Ottawa Public Health -

(for parents)
  • Alcohol and Your Health
  • Use Responsibly
  • Standard Drink Size
  • Information for Youth and Young Adults
  • Information for Parents

Ottawa Public Health -

(for parents)
  • Services in Ottawa to Help People Quit Smoking
  • Second-hand smoke, smoke-free spaces and the law
  • Vaping and Hookah
  • Youth and Young Adults

Ottawa Public Health - 

(for parents)
  • Preventing and Responding to Overdoses
  • Fentanyl and Carfentanil
  • Naloxone
  • Party Safe
  • #drugcheking results from Sandy Hill Community Centre
  • Local Resources

Parenting in Ottawa

(for parents)
  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis
  • Tobacco
  • Vaping
  • Opioids

The LINK Ottawa

(for youth and young adults)
  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Tobacco
  • Cannabis
  • Vaping
  • Party Safe

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Online resources from other organizations - Addictions and Substance Use Health

Organization

 Description

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Information and publications to address issues related to substance use and addiction that affect the health and safety of Canadians.

Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Information on programs & services, mental illness & addiction

 

 

Interactive results of population survey of Ontario students in grades 7-12. Serves to identify epidemiological trends in student drug use, mental health, physical health, gambling, bullying and other risk behaviors, as well as identifying risk and protective factors.

Health Canada

Resources to educate Canadians, about legal and illegal drugs, cannabis and alcohol. How and where to get help and the effects of stigma.

 

Consider the Consequences (for students grades 7-12): 

This online self-led module from Health Canada aims to provide youth aged 13-18 with information about vaping to help them make informed decisions about their health. It also helps and supports educators in engaging with youth on the issue. This module includes activities, videos and informative content that covers multiple topics related to vaping, including the risks and harms of youth vaping, the effects of nicotine and cannabis use during adolescence, legislation and regulations in Canada, the cost of vaping, and tips to deal with peer pressure.

Media Smarts

Lesson plans, tip sheets and other resources on various topics in the media (such as alcohol and tobacco).

Ophea

Information and resources developed to provide educators with capacity building tools to help youth develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions to support their health and well-being.  For grades 1-12

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit 

Lesson plan, resources, infographics, videos, quit plan, information and tools to support tobacco and vaping prevention.  

The Lung Association

Information to promote lung health and prevent and manage lung disease.

University of Victoria – Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research

Tools to encourage students to both express and think crucially about their current drug- and gambling related beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. For grades 4-12.

The above-mentioned websites contain information created, published, maintained or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of the City of Ottawa. Although we have reviewed these sites, no guarantee can be made to their accuracy or availability.

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