Standard of Learning

5.5 The student will explain how peers, families, and community groups work together to build a healthy community. Key concepts/skills include:

1. collaborative support for environmental issues;
2. the existence of customs and traditions;
3. promotion of the value of community health and wellness;
4. examination of community health issues;
5. development of community health projects;
6. promotion of volunteerism and community service.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will examine community health issues and explain the benefits of volunteering and working together to support environmental issues.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• define collaborative support. (working together)
• list some health issues. (something that will effect the health of the individual or community)
• define volunteerism. (someone who offers a service without being paid)
• list types of pollutants.
• explain how pollution affects health. (environmental pollution damages people's health and harms animals and plants).
• identify community workers who help protect the environment. (park rangers, fire and rescue personnel, trash collectors, etc.)
• explain how volunteering contributes to the health of individuals and the community.
• identify community needs and volunteer to work on them.

Sample Lessons

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

Additional Instructional Resources

• Game and Inland Fisheries
• Local and State Volunteer Organizations
• Local Health Department
• Parks and Recreation Departments
• Service Learning
• Waste Management

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• select one type of pollution and explain how it effects individual and family health.
• explain how to reduce air, water, land, and noise pollution.
• research volunteer organizations in the community.

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