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 State Science and Health Standards and 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.
The Inside Story (K-2) 
: 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)
Handful of Healthy Habits (K-2) : 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)
Safety Matters (K-2) : 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)
: Students will learn the importance of keeping themselves safe around strangers with the help of the Berenstein Bears. Each student will create their own sock puppet "Zip" to help remind him or her to make wise decisions about strangers. (S 6.1.3)
: 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)
: Students will learn the importance of exercise and how to choose calcium rich foods for proper bone growth. A review of primary bones of the skeletal system that give shape, protection and movement are discussed, as well as safety habits. (S 3.1.4 & 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 ciculatory system. 5-7 (S3.1.3 & 6.1.1)
: In this program students will explore the respiratory system and the importance of exercise and nutrition. Preserved pig lungs will demonstrate how smoking affects lung tissue. To enhance understandings, students will make a bottle respiratory system. (S 6.1.1,2,3)
: 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)
: 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. : Bullying behavior can have serious negative effects not only on the students involved in the incident but also on the overall school climate. Students will be engaged in activities that will explore the signs of bullying, the various stages of bullying and why students bully. The different characteristics of victims and the short and long term consequences of bullying are also discussed. (S 6.1.1)
: Students will be lead in a discussion showing characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships. An overview of the male/female reproductive systems, graphic illustrations of STD's and interactive activities show that abstinence leads to a healthy relationship. (S 6.1.1, 2, 3) : Class participants will build a cell and evaluate its structure pertaining to tissues, organs and systems. Students will make individual cells and discuss how alcohol and tobacco affect the human body. (S3.1.1, 2, 3, 4 & 6.1.1)
: Students will learn how the body systems are affected by drugs. Decision-making skills, drug recognition, alcohol, inhalants, tobacco and medicines are discusssed. 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 addicition. Includes high-impact video clips and interactive studies. (S 6.1.1, 2) : After a physiology and anatomy lesson of the male/female reproductive system, students will be involved in a discussion about the body changes of adolescence. This class is divided boys/girls. 5-7 (S 3,2,1)
: Students will understand how the hereditary information of each cell is passed from one generation to the next. Constructing marshmallow creatures helps students learn about the Punnett Square and dominant/recessive genes. Prenatal drug use is discussed. (S3.1.1, 2, 3) Nutrition I (3-4) : 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)
: After introducing teh "My Pyramid" students will actively be involved in choosing good snacks and foods for a life long healthy body. Nutrition label, fats, sugars and exercise will be discussed. (S6.1.1, 3)
Nutrition II (5-7) : 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)
Eating in Style (8-12) : 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)Of course, you're always welcome to Browse the Center! Bring your family, friends or a favorite group to the Learning Center to see “Valeda," the transparent woman and many other educational health exhibits. Your group will spend about 15 minutes hearing "Valeda" the transparent woman tell you about the wonderful inner workings of your body, describing how your organs work in harmony to maintain an even balance. Two script versions are available: one for adults and older students, and one for parents with young children. A scavenger hunt is also available to help you discover interesting facts about the human body as you tour the exhibit area.
