Choice Program

Health and Science Exploration

The Health and Science Exploration Program offers an innovative, integrated curriculum designed to provide basic skills in laboratory sciences and health science related careers. This comprehensive program combines a rigorous academic curriculum in the areas of Health, Medicine, and Wellness. This is an exploratory program for students in grades K-5 with a high interest in basic medical and health sciences. Special topics
include health and wellness, basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, prevention of disease, and general healthcare. Each trimester covers a distinct focus, helping students engage with a broad spectrum of subjects within medicine, health science, and overall wellness. This allows students to explore career options early on, develop essential skills, and nurture their interest in health and science.

Highlights of the Program are listed below:

Health Exploration

• Nutrition: Teach kids about healthy foods, the food pyramid, and the importance of balanced meals. Activities can include:
  • Food Journals: Students track what they eat for a week.
  • Healthy Cooking: Simple cooking demonstrations using fruits and vegetables.
• Physical Activity: Emphasize the importance of exercise and staying active. Ideas include:
  • Fitness Challenges: Set up fun challenges like jump rope or relay races.
  • Dance Parties: Incorporate movement through music and dance.
• Hygiene: Discuss the importance of personal hygiene, such as handwashing and dental care. Activities might include:
  • Handwashing Demonstration: Use glitter or UV light to show how germs spread.
  • Dental Health: Teach proper brushing techniques using models.
• Emotional Health: Introduce concepts of feelings and mindfulness. Activities can include:
  • Feelings Chart: Create a chart where students can express their emotions.
  • Mindfulness Exercises: Simple breathing or meditation practices.

Science Exploration

• Basic Concepts: Introduce fundamental science concepts like the scientific method, forces, and simple life cycles. Activities could involve:
  • Experiments: Simple experiments like mixing baking soda and vinegar to learn about reactions.
  • Nature Walks: Explore local ecosystems and identify plants and animals.
• STEM Activities: Encourage problem-solving and critical thinking through hands-on projects:
  • Building Structures: Use materials like straws or blocks to design and build towers.
  • Robotics: Simple coding games or building basic robots.
• Health Sciences: Explore the human body and its functions:
  • Body Systems: Use models to show how different body systems work (e.g., circulatory, respiratory).
  • Disease Awareness: Simple discussions about germs and how to stay healthy.
• Environmental Science: Teach kids about the environment and sustainability:
  • Recycling Projects: Create art or useful items from recycled materials.
  • Plant Growth: Grow seeds in different conditions to observe how plants respond.