This course is written for students in grades 9-12 and explores current topics in health and society and promotes awareness and use of techniques to develop a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating, exercise, lifestyle choice, healthy relationships and a look at how the media influences self-esteem are all integral parts of the course material. Students will examine social health as it applies to their own peer groups and will cover basic anatomy as it applies to general physical health. Mental health will be covered by the examination of the popular media and its influence over perception of healthy behaviors and attitudes including bullying and eating disorders. Reproductive health issues and STDs will also be introduced. Students will also spend time completing assignments that ask them to evaluate their personal behavior in areas such as exercise, nutrition and peer groups through discussions and daily assignments. Students will develop a short term health plan related to each area of the health triangle (physical, social and mental).
Please note that this course is an abbreviated course. Therefore, the course does not cover a full curriculum with the same depth that is covered in a semester-long course. Students are expected to work approximately 8-10 hours per week. In addition, if the student is taking this course for credit recovery or initial credit, it is strongly advised that you check with the student's school to confirm that the topics covered (see course syllabus) match those required by the school. You may also want to confirm with the school the process for receiving credits, which may involve an assessment administered separately by the school.