Physical health objectives clearly define what elementary students will know and be able to do as a result of each lesson. These objectives focus on developing functional health knowledge, building understanding related to the dimensions of health, and applying essential health skills to real-life situations. Every objective is designed to align with the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards, ensuring that instruction is comprehensive, skills-based, and promotes lifelong well-being.

The Goal: Students develop a basic understanding of physical health and learn everyday habits that help their bodies stay strong, energized, and well.

✅ Identify key elements of physical health, including sleep, hygiene, movement, nutrition, hydration, and body care

→ Related SHAPE America Standard: #1 Build and Apply Functional Knowledge

✅ Recognize simple habits that support physical well-being (e.g., brushing teeth, drinking water, washing hands, moving your body)

→ Related SHAPE America Standard: #7 Practice Health Enhancing Behaviors

✅ Understand that taking care of your body can help you feel better, think clearly, and have more energy for learning and play

→ Related SHAPE America Standard: #2 Analyzing Influences and #7 Practice Health Enhancing Behaviors

✅ Begin to notice when their body feels good or not-so-good and learn to share how they feel with a trusted adult

→ Related SHAPE America Standard: #8 Advocacy

Functional knowledge refers to the essential health concepts elementary students need to understand in order to build awareness of how emotional and mental health shows up in their lives. This knowledge helps students make informed choices and lays the foundation for managing this aspect of their well-being with intention and confidence.

To build a strong foundation in physical health, elementary students need to understand what physical health is, recognize how it connects to their overall well-being, and learn simple, supportive habits.

💡 What Physical Health Is

Students learn that physical health is about how their body feels and works. It includes building a positive relationship with their body and understanding key elements like sleep, hygiene, movement, nutrition, hydration, and safety. These elements work together to help their body stay strong, feel good, and do what they need it to do each day.

💡 What Healthy Habits Support Physical Well-being

Students explore everyday actions, like brushing their teeth, eating nutritious foods, drinking water, moving their bodies, washing their hands, and getting enough sleep, that help them feel their best and keep their body healthy.

💡 How Their Body Impacts How They Feel, Think, and Act

Students begin to notice that their physical state affects their emotions, focus, and behavior. For example, being tired or hungry might make it harder to concentrate or be kind to others.

💡 Who Can Help When They Don’t Feel Right in Their Body

Students learn to identify and seek help from trusted adults, such as family members, school nurses, or teachers, when something feels wrong in their body or they don’t feel safe.

Activities are health education learning engagements that help students explore, interact with, and build deeper understanding of physical health and body knowledge. Each learning activity is designed to support a skills-based health approach and provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore the functional knowledge and practice the health skills.

🔎 Physical Health Sort

Students sort a variety of pictures or actions into two groups: “Helps My Physical Health” and “Hurts My Physical Health.” This introduces them to the different elements of physical health like movement, sleep, hygiene, nutrition, and hydration.

→ Connects to: What physical health is

🔎 Healthy Habit Paper Chain

Students create a paper chain where each link represents a healthy habit they do (or want to try). Hang the chains as a class display to show how small actions add up to strong physical health.

→ Connects to: What habits support physical well-being

🔎 Body & Feelings Model

Using a body outline, students draw or label how their body impacts their emotions, focus, and behavior (e.g., "When I’m tired, I get grumpy"). This helps them build awareness of the body-mind connection.

→ Connects to: How their body impacts how they feel, think, and act

🔎 Who Can Help? Matching Activity

Students match common physical health situations (e.g., “I have a stomachache,” “I feel dizzy,” “I have a cut”) with the trusted adult they could go to for help.

→ Connects to: Who can help when they don’t feel right in their body

These physical health project-based learning assessments are designed to measure both what elementary students understand and how well they can apply their functional health knowledge and health skills in meaningful, real-world ways. Each health assessment idea aligns with the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards and offers students a practical, hands-on learning experience. By actively using health skills to navigate realistic scenarios, students demonstrate their ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their well-being.

📚 “What Is Physical Health?” Booklet

Students create a simple booklet with their own kid-friendly definition of physical health, illustrations of healthy habits, and short reflections about how those habits help them feel good and stay strong.

→ Assesses understanding of physical health and health-enhancing behaviors (SHAPE America Standards #1 and #7)

📚 Poem or Story: “My Body & Me”

Students write a poem or short story that shows how their body affects how they feel, think, and act. They can describe how feeling tired, hungry, or energized changes their day, helping them connect physical sensations to emotions and behavior.

→ Assesses awareness of body-mind connection (SHAPE America Standards #1 and #7)

📚 “Who Can Help?” Poster

Students choose one common physical health concern (e.g., a stomachache, a cut, feeling tired) and create a mini poster showing who they could talk to for help and what that person can do.

→ Assesses ability to identify trusted adults and access support (SHAPE America Standards #3 and #4)

Physical health objectives clearly define what middle school students will know and be able to do as a result of each lesson. These objectives focus on developing functional health knowledge, building understanding related to the dimensions of health, and applying essential health skills to real-life situations. Every objective is designed to align with the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards, ensuring that instruction is comprehensive, skills-based, and promotes lifelong well-being.

The Goal: Students build self-awareness, explore how physical health affects total well-being, and begin developing habits to manage their health more independently.

✅ Identify and explore different elements of physical health (e.g., sleep, movement, nutrition, stress, hydration, hygiene) and how they connect to total well-being

→ Related SHAPE America Health Standard: #1 Build and Apply Functional Knowledge

✅ Build awareness of what’s happening in their body and use that awareness as a tool for self-advocacy

→ Related SHAPE America Health Standards: #8 Advocacy

✅ Understand that they have control over many aspects of their physical health and that their choices impact how their body feels and functions

→ Related SHAPE America Health Standards: #5 Decision Making and #7 Practice Health-Enhancing Behaviors

✅ Practice decision-making and habit-building that supports physical well-being (e.g., creating sleep routines, staying active, choosing balanced meals)

→ Related SHAPE America Health Standards: #5 Decision Making and #7 Practice Health-Enhancing Behaviors

Functional knowledge refers to the essential health concepts elementary students need to understand in order to build awareness of how emotional and mental health shows up in their lives. This knowledge helps students make informed choices and lays the foundation for managing this aspect of their well-being with intention and confidence.

To strengthen physical health, middle school students need to understand the core components of physical well-being, develop body awareness, and recognize the habits and decisions that influence how their body feels and functions.

💡 What Are the Core Elements of Physical Health

Students explore key components of physical health (i.e. sleep, movement, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, stress, and their relationship with their body) and how these elements contribute to overall well-being.

💡 What is a Body Scan and Does it Help Build Self-Awareness

Students learn to check in with their body using simple body scan techniques to notice signs of tiredness, tension, pain, hunger, or other physical cues. This self-awareness helps them respond to their needs and advocate for support.

💡 What Aspects of Physical Health Can They Control and Which Ones Are Out of Their Control

Students explore the difference between things they can manage (like sleep routines and hydration) and things outside their control (like chronic conditions or growth-related changes), helping them focus their energy on what they can influence.

💡 What Decisions and Habits Relate to Physical Health

Students begin to identify the impact of daily choices, such as skipping breakfast or staying up late, and how consistent habits shape how their body feels, functions, and supports their goals.

Activities are health education learning engagements that help middle school students explore, interact with, and build deeper understanding of physical health and body knowledge. Each learning activity is designed to support a skills-based health approach and provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore the functional knowledge and practice the health skills.

These physical health and body knowledge activities help students explore what physical health looks like in everyday life, build body awareness, and reflect on the choices they make that impact their well-being.

🔎 Elements of Physical Health Board Game

Students play a board game to explore the core elements of physical health (e.g., movement, sleep, hydration, hygiene, nutrition, stress) and what they look like in real life.

→ Connects to: What the core elements of physical health are

🔎 Body Awareness Scenario

Students read (or listen to) real-life scenarios where someone’s body is sending a signal (e.g., feeling dizzy, sore muscles, restlessness). In groups, they identify what the body might be saying and how to respond in a healthy way.

→ Connects to: How to do a body scan and build awareness of what’s happening in the body

🔎 In Your Control vs. Out of Your Control Sorting Activity

Students sort various statements or situations related to physical health (e.g., "My bedtime," "Getting a cold," "Choosing what to eat for lunch") into two groups: in your control or out of your control.

→ Connects to: What aspects of physical health they can control and what they can’t

🔎 Daily Decision Reflection: What Did You Choose Today?

Students make a list of small decisions they made today (e.g., skipped breakfast, drank water, stayed up late) and reflect on how each choice impacted their physical health. Can be done individually or shared in small groups.

→ Connects to: What decisions and habits relate to physical health

These physical health project-based learning assessments are designed to measure both what middle school students understand and how well they can apply their functional health knowledge and health skills in meaningful, real-world ways. Each health assessment idea aligns with the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards and offers students a practical, hands-on learning experience. By actively using health skills to navigate realistic scenarios, students demonstrate their ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their well-being.

📚 Teach the Elements: Peer Education Project

Students work in small groups to create and deliver a mini-lesson on one element of physical health (e.g., hydration, hygiene, movement) to younger students. They use visuals, props, or games to teach in a developmentally-appropriate way.

→ Assesses understanding of physical health components and communication skills (SHAPE America Standards #1, #4, #8)

📚 Body Scan Reflection Journal

Over the course of a week, students keep a simple journal to track moments when their body gave them a signal (e.g., feeling tired, hungry, restless) and what action they took in response.

→ Assesses body awareness and self-monitoring (SHAPE America Standards #1 and #7)

📚 GROW Goal: What I Can Control

Students choose one aspect of their physical health that they can influence (e.g., getting more sleep, packing a snack, stretching after PE) and write a GROW Goal (Gauge, Reach, Obstacles, Work) to take action.

→ Assesses ability to set and apply health-enhancing goals (SHAPE America Standards #6 and #7)

📚 “How to Be Physically Healthy” Personal Guide

Students create a one-page health check-in guide for themselves. It includes a personalized definition of physical health, signals their body gives them, healthy habits they want to continue, and a few reflection questions to help them check in regularly.

→ Assesses personal understanding and practical application (SHAPE America Standards #1 and #7)

Learning objectives clearly define what high school students will know and be able to do as a result of each lesson. These objectives focus on developing functional health knowledge, building understanding related to physical health and body knowledge, and applying essential health skills to real-life situations. Every objective is designed to align with the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards, ensuring that instruction is comprehensive, skills-based, and promotes lifelong well-being.

The Goal: Students develop the ability to fully manage their physical well-being, access care, and build a lasting, positive relationship with their body.

✅ Identify what their body needs and make informed decisions to meet those needs (nutrition, movement, rest, hydration, etc.)

→ Related SHAPE America Health Standards: #1 Build and Apply Functional Knowledge, #5 Decision Making, and #6 Goal Setting

✅ Access valid health information and services, including how and when to seek help from a doctor, nurse, or other care provider

→ Related SHAPE America Health Standards: #3 Accessing Resources and #4 Interpersonal Communication

✅ Reflect on their relationship with their body and understand how that relationship impacts physical, mental, and emotional health

→ Related SHAPE America Health Standards: #1 Build and Apply Functional Knowledge and #2 Analyzing Influences

Functional knowledge refers to the essential health concepts high school students need to understand in order to build awareness of how physical health and body knowledge shows up in their lives. This knowledge helps students make informed choices and lays the foundation for managing this aspect of their well-being with intention and confidence.

To fully manage their physical well-being, high school students need to understand what their body needs to function well, how to make informed choices, and where to go for valid health support.

💡 What Your Body Needs To Feel Good And Function Well

Students identify the core needs of the body (i.e. sleep, movement, nutrition, hydration, rest, and recovery) and begin to understand how those needs shift with age, environment, and life demands.

💡 What Choices And Habits Promote Physical Health

Students evaluate how everyday choices, such as how they fuel, rest, move, and care for their body, either support or detract from long-term physical health. They explore ways to create sustainable, realistic habits that align with their lifestyle.

💡 Who Provides Valid Health Information And Services

Students learn how to identify trusted health professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, school counselors) and sources (e.g., CDC, Mayo Clinic) for accurate physical health information and care. They also learn how and when to seek support.

💡 How The State Of Your Body Impacts Overall Well-Being

Students examine the relationship between how their body feels and how it influences their emotions, mental clarity, energy levels, and ability to show up in relationships and responsibilities.

Activities are health education learning engagements that help students explore, interact with, and build deeper understanding of physical health and body knowledge. Each learning activity is designed to support a skills-based health approach and provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore the functional knowledge and practice the health skills.

These activities help students explore body awareness, evaluate health-related choices, and build skills for accessing valid information and care, all while deepening their understanding of how physical health shapes total well-being.

🔎 “What Does My Body Need?” Gallery Walk

Students move through stations or posters exploring key physical health needs: movement, sleep, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, and rest. At each stop, they reflect on what their body needs in that area and how it currently feels.

→ Connects to: What your body needs to feel good and function well🔎 Choices & Health Match-Up

Students receive cards with different daily choices and match them to the corresponding physical health element they impact (e.g., drinking water → hydration, skipping breakfast → nutrition). Can be used as a group challenge or quick review game.

→ Connects to: What choices and habits promote physical health

🔎 PROVE It: Accessing Trusted Physical Health Resources

Students are given a common physical health issue (e.g., headaches, fatigue, joint pain) and use the PROVE It strategy to find a trusted source and a relevant health service provider. They evaluate the purpose, recency, objectivity, verification, and expertise of their sources.

→ Connects to: Who provides valid health information and services

🔎 Body And Well-Being Reflection Map

Students complete a visual reflection showing how different physical states (e.g., rested vs. exhausted, nourished vs. under-fueled) affect their emotions, focus, relationships, and confidence. This helps them explore how the body influences their overall well-being.

→ Connects to: How the state of your body impacts overall well-being

These physical health project-based learning assessments are designed to measure both what high school students understand and how well they can apply their functional health knowledge and health skills in meaningful, real-world ways. Each health assessment idea aligns with the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards and offers students a practical, hands-on learning experience. By actively using health skills to navigate realistic scenarios, students demonstrate their ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their well-being.

📚 Personalized Physical Health Decision Making Flow Chart

Students create a decision-making flow chart to help guide their personal physical health choices. It includes cues to assess how they’re feeling, possible next steps (e.g., drink water, take a walk, talk to a doctor), and trusted resources.

→ Assesses ability to evaluate physical needs and practice health-enhancing behaviors (SHAPE America Standards #3, #5 and #7)

📚 Peer PSA: Trusted Resources for Health

Students choose a specific physical health concern relevant to teens (e.g., sleep issues, period pain, nutrition confusion) and create a PSA (poster, short video, or infographic) sharing where to find valid information and services.

→ Assesses ability to access valid information and advocate for well-being (SHAPE America Standards #3, #4, and #8)

📚 “My Body & Me” Reflection or Poem

Students write a personal reflection or poem exploring their current relationship with their body, how it has evolved, and how it impacts their overall well-being. This can include moments of challenge, appreciation, or self-discovery.

→ Assesses self-awareness and connection between physical and total health (SHAPE America Standards #1 and #2)