Grade 5 Health

Course Description

The 5th Grade Health course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and habits to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Building off of what students learned in 4th grade, and through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, students explore topics that support physical, emotional, and social wellness. By the end of the course, students will be able to make healthy choices, understand the connection between habits and well-being, and contribute safely and positively to their communities and teams.

Course Big Ideas

Balanced nutrition is essential for growth, energy, and overall health.
Regular physical activity contributes to long-term wellness.
The immune system protects the body from illness and works best when supported by healthy habits.
Personal wellness is the result of balancing physical, emotional, and social health through intentional daily habits.
Effective team building develops trust, communication skills, and cooperative behaviors necessary for successful collaboration and achievement of shared goals.

Course Essential Questions

Why is regular physical activity important for preventing health problems and maintaining long-term wellness?
How do the different food groups work together to support growth, energy, and overall health?
How do daily habits like sleep, and exercise affect your physical, emotional, and social well-being?
Why is it important to know basic first aid, and how can it help keep yourself and others safe in an emergency?
How does team building contribute to creating trust and cooperation?
How does the immune system help protect the body, and what personal habits support it?

Course Competencies

Identify the major food groups—fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy—and explain how each contributes essential nutrients to support growth and energy.
Identify and explain how daily habits—such as sleep, exercise, and stress management—affect their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Explain the importance of team building in creating trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility, and participate in activities that strengthen group safety and collaboration.

Course Assessments

Check For Understanding

Staying calm, using the correct first aid steps, and knowing when to get adult or professional help are important in an emergency.
Effective communication skills—such as active listening, clear verbal directions, and respectful feedback—that help teams work safely and cooperatively during group activities.
Trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility are the skills needed to contribute to a safe and supportive environment during group and physical activities.

Do

Demonstrate basic first aid procedures for common injuries (Heat exhaustation, dehydration, etc.).
Use effective communication skills—such as active listening, giving clear directions, asking for clarification, and providing respectful feedback—to promote teamwork, cooperation, and safety during group activities.
Explain the importance of team building in creating trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility, and participate in activities that strengthen group safety and collaboration.

10.1.6A Describe growth and development changes between childhood and adolescence and identify factors that can influence these changes.
10.2.6.A Explain the relationship between personal health practices and individual well-being
10.1.6.B Identify and describe the structure and function of the major body systems.

Know

Basic parts of the immune system and their functions in keeping the body healthy (antibodies, white blood cells, glands, etc.).
Hygiene practices that help keep the immune system functioning properly (hand washing, covering your cough, staying home when sick, not sharing food or drinks).
Wellness involves balancing physical, emotional, and social health to maintain overall well-being.
Personal habits such as sleep, exercise, and stress management influence energy, mood, and long-term health.

Understanding/Key Learning

The immune system protects the body from illness and works best when supported by healthy habits.
Good hygiene practices help the immune system protect the body from illness (hand washing, covering your cough, staying home when sick, not sharing food or drinks).
Personal wellness is the result of balancing physical, emotional, and social health through intentional daily habits.

Do

Describe the structure and function of the immune system and explain how it helps the body fight illness.
Demonstrate personal hygiene practices—such as handwashing, dental care, and safe food handling—and explain how these habits help protect the body and support a healthy immune system.
Identify and explain how daily habits—such as sleep, exercise, and stress management—affect their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Apply strategies for managing stress and emotions, such as mindfulness, and breathing exercises.

The major food groups—fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
Common health problems that can occur throughout life, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
How balanced nutrition and regular physical activity affect physical health, energy levels, and long-term well-being.
Different types of sugars (natural vs. added), how they affect energy levels and overall health, and the importance of limiting added sugars to prevent health problems like obesity and tooth decay.

Understanding/Key Learning

Do

Identify the major food groups—fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy—and explain how each contributes essential nutrients to support growth and energy.
Follow fitness activities that include cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises, and explain how each type of activity contributes to overall health and well-being.
Analyze the sugar content in foods and beverages, distinguish between natural and added sugars, and make healthier choices to reduce added sugar intake and support overall health.

Puberty is a stage of adolescence involving physical, emotional, and hormonal changes.
Body systems (especially endocrine and reproductive systems) guide development.
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus have a role in activating puberty.
Hygiene practices help manage acne, body odor, and other physical changes.
Development occurs at different rates for individuals.

Understanding/Key Learning

Puberty is a natural, healthy, and individualized process of growth.
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate body changes.
Emotional changes (self-esteem, mood shifts, increased independence) are part of adolescence.
Boys and girls typically begin puberty at different ages, and variation is normal.
Responsible hygiene habits support physical health and confidence.