At the Heart of Elementary Education: A Proposed 2nd Grade Level Cardiovascular Curriculum

Abstract

Childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease are alarmingly prevalent in our society and the incidence and burden associated with these diseases are only on the rise. To address this public health scare, a study was performed to assess the most effective means of educating elementary school students about health and disease. Utilizing current outreach activities implemented by Dr. Zoe Cohen, the Arizona chapter of the American Physiological Society, and the Department of Physiology at the University of Arizona, a 2nd grade level curriculum was established as a means of education and prevention. Integrating educational reform research and previous experience, the authors taught 90 second grade students at Harelson Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona. The objectives of the lesson plan included incorporating inquiry based learning, utilizing physical activities as a fun, alternative method to teach difficult concepts, and to implement strategies targeted at improving the students’ retention of the material. This paper provides the proposed lesson plan that was implemented and suggests that undergraduate physiology students can play a role in educating younger students in an effective method of outreach and disease prevention.