The Kansas Learning Center for Health Programs are divided into 7 topics, offering both Field Trip and Outreach programs. The Kansas Learning Center for Health has partnered with schools in Kansas since 1965. By adhering to the Kansas Science, Health and Counseling Standards, emphasizing tobacco and drug free living, the Learning Center has developed classes that actively engage students in learning. The design of quality presentations developed by Certified Health Educators utilizes resources from across the nation, offering students necessary skills to make healthy lifestyle choices. Hands-on activities coupled with accurate information excites students from start to finish. Take a moment to discover the various ways our staff can meet your health education needs.
General Health (Pre-K to College):
: With the help of Organ Andy and an organ apron, this program takes an "inside look" at our amazing body. Hands on activities engage the children and stress the importance of taking care of our bodies. (S3.1.4 & 6.1.1, 2, 3) 
: This program is designed to encourage students to take care of their bodies by following basic health rules: proper nutrition, exercise, hand washing to prevent communicable diseases, and understanding body organs and senses. K-2 (S 3.1.4) : Students will learn techniques in keeping themselves safe with the telephone, internet, medicine chest and strangers. Students will also discover the importance of helmet and seatbelt safety. K-2 (S 6.1.3) : During this fun-filled program, students will examine the parts of a tooth and learn proper dental health and hygiene. K-2 (S.6.1.1,2,3) : Students meet the authentic skeleton "Charlie Bones" who will help them learn the importance of keeping bones and muscles healthy. Students will be taught the importance of exercise and host to chose calcium-rich foods. K-2 (S6.1.3)
SenseAble Habits (K-2) : We will introduce students to the world of healthy habits with activities emphasizing cleanliness, exercise and experiencing the five senses. K-2 (S 3.1.4) : Emotional health and school safety are stressed in this anti-bullying program. Students identify different types of bullying and learn strategies to reduce negative behaviors. K-2 (C 3.1.6) :Students will be introduced to the respiratory system, learn the dangers of tobacco and its damaging effects on the body. Preserved pig lungs will be used to demonstrate how smoking affects lung tissue. To enhance the understanding, students will make a bottle reespiratory system. 3-4 (S 6.1.1. 2, 3) : Students discover how the digestive system breaks down food using both mechanical and chemical digestion. Lesson will be concluded with a fun demonstration of this amazing system! 5-7 (S3.1.3) : Students learn the parts and function of the heart. They will participate in activities that will help them recognize and prevent diseases of the circulatory system. 5-7 (S3.1.3 & 6.1.1) : Observing preserved pig lungs, students explore the respiratory system and discover the consequences of smoking. 5-7 (S3.1.3, 4 & 6.1.1) : Students identify the parts of a cell and build a "brain" cell. After examining the physiology of the nervous system, students will observe the possible consequences of alcohol on the "brain cell." 5-7 (S3.1.1, 2, 3, 4) : Using a role playing format, students will become members of the immune system to learn how this system fights disease. This program includes a brief explanation of how HIV/AIDS damages the immune system. 5-7 (S3.1.3, 4 & 3.3.1) : An overview of the male/female reproductive systems, graphic illustrations of STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and activities demonstrate that abstinence leads to a healthy relationship. 8-12 (S 6.1.1, 2,3) Dating Dilemma (8-12) : Students will recognize characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Concepts covered: building relationship based on respect, preventing sexual harassment and dating violence, and understanding alcohols influence on dating. 8-12 (S 6.1.1, 2,3 & 3.1.3 : Build excitement in your future educators about teaching health. This program provides an overview of general body systems or the reproductive system for your elementary and secondary education students.Character Education (6th to 12):
: Bullying behavior can have serious negative effects on the school climate. Students will be engaged in activities that explore the types of bullying. Strategies for coping and the short and long term consequences of bullying are also discussed. 5-7 (S 6.1.1 & C 3.1.5) Drug Abuse Prevention (3rd to 11th):
: Students will learn how the body systems are affected by drugs. Decision-making skills, drug recognition, alcohol, inhalants, tobacco and medicines are discussed. 3-4 & 5-7 (S 6.1.1) : This session is a straightforward discussion on the consequences of drug use and the effects that lead to tolerance and addiction. Includes high-impact video clips and engages students in activities. 8-12 (S 6.1.1, 2 & C 3.1.6) : Students will learn how organ systems are affected by tobacco, alcohol, inhalants and marijuana. Students will particiapte in activities that simulate damage and disease brought about by drug use. 5-7 (S 6.1.1)Growth & Development (4th to 7th):
: After a physiology lesson of the human reproductive system students will recognize signs and symptoms of puberty and have some preparation to meet the challenges both physically and emotionally of adolescence. This class is divided boys/girls. 5-7 (S 3,2,1) : A summary of maturation, reproductive system and the birth process is covered. Students will gain a positive view of sexuality, developmentally appropriate knowledge and skills to make decisions now and in the future. This class can be divided boy/girl.5-7 (S 2.1, 2, 3) : Participants will understand how the hereditary information of each cell is passed from one generation to the next. Constructing marshmallow creatures helps students learn about dominant/recessive genes. 5-7 (S3.1.1, 2, 3)
Nutrition & Fitness (1st to 12th):
: Using the "My Pyramid," students will be involved in choosing good snacks and foods for a life long healthy body. Fats and sugars will be emphasized. 3-4 (S6.1.1, 2, 3) : Using the "My Pyramid" students will be actively involved in choosing good snacks and foods for a life-long healthy body. Nutrition label, fats, sugars, calories, and exercise will be discussed. 3-4 (S6.1.1, 3) : Students will learn about dietary and caloric needs, and how to best meet them through the use of the "My Pyramid" and energy expenditure activities. Learning food label information and participating in a food trivia game will teach how to make healthy food choices. 5-7 (S6.1.1) : Students learn to choose healthy foods based on nutritional guidelines that provide energy to get them through the day. They are encouraged to strive for a fit body, rather than the "ideal" body physique. Interactive activities and video clips create a better understanding for students. (S 6.1.2, 3, 4)Professional Development: During our Professional Development in-service workshops, teachers discover personal goals to combat poor nutrition, lack of physical exercise and high stress levels. Teachers can also develop strategies for teaching healthy lifestyle choices to their students in the areas of nutrition, sexuality, and drug/alcohol use and abuse.
Girl Scouts: Earn a Kansas Learning Center for Health patch and Scout Badge, have lots of fun, and learn good health habits at the same time. Check with your council for events sponsored at the Learning Center. If your council is not offering these events, call the Learning Center for information about a Neighborhood or Service Unit plan. All you need is 40 to 100 participants and you can book one of these five programs written especially for Girl Scouts, Brownies or Cadettes & Seniors.
