Support youth vaping prevention with free, classroom-ready resources. The Not An Experiment program provides educators with interactive lessons, downloadable activities and practical tools to help students learn about the health risks of nicotine and cannabis vaping, understand how the vaping industry targets youth and build the skills to navigate situations involving vaping.
What You’ll Find:
- Health Effects – Information on how nicotine and cannabis vaping can affect physical and mental health, particularly for youth.
- Industry Marketing Tactics – Examples of marketing strategies used to appeal to young people.
- Help to Quit – Resources and tools, including the Vaping Calculator and links to youth-focused supports like Quash.
- Classroom Resources – Ready-to-use lesson plans, discussion guides, and interactive activities, including classroom escape room and detective-style games.
- Parent & Caregiver Resources – Conversation starters, videos, and practical resources to help families talk with youth about vaping.
Teaching and Learning
Support youth vaping prevention with free, curriculum-connected resources that help students build knowledge and skills related to the risks of nicotine and cannabis vaping.
NotAnExperiment.ca provides educators with classroom-ready materials, including:
- Interactive activities such as Escape the Experiment (nicotine) and Operation Truth (cannabis)
- Lesson plans, facilitator guides, and discussion activities
- Student-led learning activities
- School announcements and posters
- Resources to support classroom and school-wide vaping prevention efforts
Classroom Activity Lending Kits
Bring vaping prevention education to life with Not An Experiment classroom kits, available to borrow from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
Available kits include:
Escape the Experiment (Nicotine)
A classroom escape room activity where students learn about nicotine addiction, negative health effects of vaping, and industry marketing tactics.
Operation Truth (Cannabis)
A detective-style classroom activity where students investigate the facts about cannabis vaping, explore the effects of high-potency THC, and practice strategies to respond to pressure to vape.
Each kit includes the materials needed to facilitate the activity, along with educator guides and supporting resources.
Take the Clouds Outside
Secondary schools can request a Take the Clouds Outside display, facilitated by the health unit. This display:
- Supports compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
- Raises awareness about second-hand vapour
- Promotes quit-vaping supports
- Helps reduce exposure to vaping on school property
Parent and Family Engagement
Parents and caregivers play an important role in preventing youth vaping. The following resources provide information about vaping and practical tips for starting conversations with young people:
Additional Resources
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's Tobacco Enforcement Officers work with schools to support compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.
Visit our Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 webpage for information about inspections, enforcement, and submitting a school witness report.
Help to Quit
Looking for quit-vaping support for a student? Visit the Help to Quit page for youth-focused resources, tools, and programs.
Contact Us
For more information or support, please email [email protected], or contact your local School Health public health nurse. You can also contact the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or complete our secure online Request for Service Form.
Updated: September 22, 2026
