Grade Level: 5, 6, 7, and 8 

Unifying Theme:  As we are confronted with the staggering statistics of childhood and adolescent illnesses and health complications, it is imperative that schools promote good nutrition habits among students, develop nutrition awareness, and provide students with the information and skills necessary to make sensible eating and exercise choices.  Students will study a variety of health issues and concerns related to poor nutrition and explore the various options available to them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Objectives: 

Students will be able to: 

• develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
• develop understandings about scientific inquiry

• develop an understanding of :

  • personal health

  • populations, resources, and environments

  • natural hazards

  • risks and benefits

  • science and technology in society

• recognize and practice health-enhancing lifestyles
• use core information to analyze and evaluate health and safety issues, information and resources in order to become healthy, responsible citizens
• strengthen communication skills and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts by appreciating and respecting others
• make decisions, set goals and learn to say "no," when appropriate, in order to implement and sustain a healthy life
• Students will establish and maintain healthy eating patterns and a physically active life

Resources:

• Computers 
• Internet access 
• Printer 
• Software: Microsoft Word, Excel 
•  Variety of related articles and Internet links

Timeline: Will cover approximately one to two weeks (depending on individual classroom needs/interests) during Health class, five days per week, 45 minutes per period.  Topics do not have to be presented in order and teachers have the flexibility of selecting from a variety of topics all related to the relationship between health and diet.  The unit could be briefly covered in five periods, with a different topic chosen for each lesson or teachers could select specific topics to cover in at least one to two days each.  Work may be completed both in and out of class.

Suggested schedule