Fourth Grade Curriculum Resources
Standard of Learning
4.4 The student will demonstrate an understanding of health concepts and behaviors that prevent illness and disease. Key concepts/skills include
- the body's defenses;
- the spread of germs (viruses, bacteria, and fungi);
- the difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases;
- the importance of early detection of health problems;
- the role of regular physical activity, nutrition, and healthy choices.
Understanding the Standard
The student will understand that the earlier a disease or health problem is detected, the faster the body can recover.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
The student will:
- describe early detection of health problems. (identifying symptoms or changes in your behavior or a body function)
- identify how to detect health problems early:
- get regular medical check-ups to monitor growth and development, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart and lung function, etc; and
- tell your parents or guardians if you notice that you have shortness of breath, no appetite, any pain, dizziness, swelling of joints, blood in your urine, etc.
- identify the stages of a disease:
- incubation period; (time between when a pathogen/germ enters the body until symptoms of the disease occur)
- acute period; (time when the symptoms of the disease are the greatest) and
- recovery period. (time in which the visible symptoms of the disease begin to go away – you can relapse back to the acute period if you do not rest and drink plenty of fluids)
- why early detection is important. (the earlier the disease is identified the easier it is to treat)
Sample Lessons
The ABCDs of Skin Cancer
Who doesn't love to spend time playing in the sunshine? We all do! If you spend too much time in the sun, though (especially if you're not wearing sunscreen), you could be at risk for getting skin cancer. Most people think that "cancer" is a scary word. But your doctor can treat and cure most types of skin cancer, as long as you catch it early. Remember it's important to use sunscreen when you're outside, avoid the mid-day sun, cover up, and to check your skin for changes every month or two. Here's what you need to know about skin cancer, and how to give yourself a great skin exam to spot it.
Sponsor: American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/NR/
Free
Interactive Heart Rate Worksheet
Grade(s): 4-5
This interactive worksheet is meant to teach students basic facts about the heart, how to find target heart rate, and the importance of aerobic exercise. A secondary purpose of this lesson is to give students more experience using the computer.
http://www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=4874
Free
Nutrition Education - Choices
Grade(s): 4
In this lesson students will learn how food, exercise and weight control are important.
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=953
Free
Nutrition Education - Dietary Solutions
Grade(s): 4
The students will understand how a healthy diet and exercise can increase the likelihood of physical and mental wellness. Also students will learn that nutritional problems can have solutions.
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=952
Free
Oral Health Education: Saving Smiles Series- “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body”
Grades: 4 & 5
Lesson Plan (1) Identify the components of a balanced meal and describe
carbohydrates and their impact on oral health. (SOL 4.1b, d ; 5.2b)
Lesson Plan (2) Develop an awareness of community health resources available
(SOL 4.5a,b ; 4.6a ; 5.4a,b ; 5.5c,d,e,f)
Lesson Plan (3) Describe the causes of dental diseases including the role of
bacterial plaque, and describe how dental diseases can be
prevented. (SOL 4.4b,d ; 5.2a)
Lesson Plan (4) Identify laws related to the purchase of tobacco products and describe the effects of tobacco on oral health and the body. (SOL 4.4b,d ; 5.2a)
Sponsor: Virginia Department of Health, Division of Dental Health
Contact: http://www.vahealth.org/teeth/OralHealthEducation.asp (curriculum resources)
Free
Save Your Hide!
Students will recognize the results of sun damage to their skin and ways to protect their skin. It will take 40 to 50 minutes to teach this class. Computers with Internet access are required.
Sponsor: The Solution Site
http://www.thesolutionsite.com/lesson/9901/lesson5.html
Free
Additional Instructional Resources
- Education World - http://www.educationworld.com/pe_health
- HealthTeacher.com - http://www.healthteacher.com
- Health Web - http://healthweb.org
- Illness & Disease – http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/health.htm (health & fitness 3-5)
- Local Health Department
- School Nurse
- Web Sites – http://www.kidshealth.com
Assessment Ideas
The student will:
- explain how and why they need to monitor their health status.
- identify why early detection is important.
