KANSAS LEARNING CENTER FOR HEALTH

Halstead, KS | learningcenter.org

The Kansas Learning Center for Health is the nation’s second oldest health care museum, with a 7,000-square-foot learning center, including interactive exhibits, classrooms, and Valeda, a transparent anatomical mannequin. Since 1965, KLCH has offered schools supplemental health education courses designed to enhance classroom curriculum by meeting or exceeding the state’s Next Generation Science and Health standards, and including hands-on, interactive activities. Now, KLCH is taking the show on the road in Northwest Kansas.

FARM TO FAMILY (PK-1): 40-50 MINUTES

During this “down to earth” program, students will learn where and how fruits and vegetables grow. Students will also discover the benefits of healthy eating habits. STEM/coloring activity will be provided.

DENTAL HEALTH (PK-1): 40-50 MINUTES

During this fun-filled program students examine the parts of a tooth, learn proper dental hygiene, and discuss how healthy eating habits can benefit dental health. The hands-on activity stresses the importance of brushing daily.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (2-3): 40-50 MINUTES

Students will explore the respiratory system and how it works. This class discusses factors that can cause harm to the system such as vaping, smoking, and environmental issues. To enhance their understanding, students will have a respiratory system activity.

NUTRITION (4-5): 40-50 MINUTES

Students will learn how to apply the MyPlate and the Nutrition Facts label to their everyday eating habits. They also learn the importance of balancing their food intake with their physical activity for a “Winning Combination.”

INTRODUCTION TO DRUG PREVENTION (4-5): 40-50 MINUTES

This session is a straight-forward discussion on the consequences of drug use and the effects that lead to tolerance and addiction with a special focus on tobacco, vaping, and alcohol use. This informative program includes several engaging activities.

HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS (5-7): 1 HOUR

In this class, students will learn skills on how to build healthy friendships and the importance of setting boundaries. They will also discuss navigating social media safely. Students will engage in activities to get hands-on practice with these skills.

DRUG PREVENTION (6-8): 1-1½ HOURS

This session is an in-depth and interactive discussion on the consequences of drug use and the effects that lead to tolerance and addiction. Students will participate in several activities that illustrate and reinforce the discussion.

PUBERTY EDUCATION (4-6): 2 HOURS

Students learn to recognize the body changes of puberty preparing them for the physical, mental and social challenges of adolescence. Although the class is divided male/female, all students learn the male and female reproductive systems, as well as proper hygiene.

HUMAN REPRODUCTION (6-7): 2 HOURS

Students discuss their “Road of Life” goals while exploring the different levels of maturation, human reproduction, and the birth process. This class includes an overview of both male and female reproductive systems and how these systems work together for sexual reproduction. The program encourages students to focus on important life goals, to make abstinence-based decisions, and how untimely pregnancies can impact those goals.

BIG DECISIONS – TEEN SEXUAL HEALTH (7-12): 1½-2 HOURS

This comprehensive sexual health program evokes open conversation with students about safe sex practices. Class will discuss risks associated with sexual activity such as STI’s and unplanned pregnancies. Healthy relationships and defining personal boundaries are also discussed.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS (8-12): 50 MINUTES

This program discusses the development of healthy relationship skills and the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Platonic and romantic relationship dynamics are discussed. It includes information about navigating social media, setting healthy boundaries (consent and body autonomy), and supporting friends throughout their relationships.

SCHEDULING: For more information or to schedule a program, contact Layla Nightingale at 316-835-7024 or layla@learningcenter.org