Browse lesson plans

Growing cooties

This lesson teaches the importance of washing hands to reduce the spread of germs. In this lesson, students will see mold develop over time on a potato as the result of handling the potato with dirty hands.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1 Healthful Living)

By Ronda Odenwelder.

Keeping food safe to eat

In Food for thought: Elementary lessons on nutrition and healthy living, page 5.2

This fourth-grade lesson plan, from the Food for Thought nutrition curriculum, teaches students about the germs that can be found in foods and the ways to prevent food-borne illnesses by washing our hands, using safe food handling procedures, and keeping foods refrigerated.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Healthful Living)

Sex under the influence

The use of alcohol and other drugs increases the risk for unplanned, unprotected sex. This action exposes young people to HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy. The lesson engages students in the decision-making process regarding risk and checks their understanding of behaviors that put them at risk.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Healthful Living)

By Kathy Crumpler.

STDs: You have to know

The lesson allows students to explore what they know and need to know about some of the most common STDs affecting teens.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Healthful Living)

By Kathy Crumpler.

Tug-a-tooth

Students will learn about dental hygiene and get a physical workout as well.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Healthful Living)

By Annette Swanson.

Resources on the web

Blue Zones - Quest for the true fountain of youth

Join the Quest Network team to discover why people in different parts of the world live longer than in others. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Quest Network

Carolina Donor Services Teacher Resources

Resources for teachers who want to include organ and tissue donation and transplantation in their classrooms. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Carolina Donor Services

Cool Planet for Teachers

This site from OxFam helps teachers bring global issues into the classroom. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: OxFam

Coverdell World Wise Schools

Designed to integrate the experience of Peace Corps volunteers with the study world regions, history, and current events. There are also elements designed to promote service learning. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Peace Corps

National Institutes of Health Curriculum Supplements

Interactive teaching units in biology and health for students in 1st through 12th grades. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Institutes of Health office of Science Education

National Institutes of Health Office of Science Education: Free Resources for Science Teachers

Provides free resources for sciences teachers on a selection of 41 topics for all grade levels. Students will engage in the supporting, interactive multimedia activities. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Institutes of Health

NIDA Information for Parents and Teachers

Provides information for parents about drugs and prevention of drug use by children. Also provides educational materials for teachers at all grade levels to help inform students about the facts and dangers of drug use. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Institute on Drug Abuse

NIH Science Curriculum Supplements - Middle School

This resource provides supplementary materials and activities to science education for middle school curricula. Materials for teachers may be downloaded for use in the classroom or print materials may be ordered. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Institute of Health

PElinks4u

This informative website is packed with information and links to outstanding physical education links that will be helpful in the classroom. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Central Washington University