Health Science Curriculum

Developing scientific skills through flexible, modular learning

A high-school health science curriculum must be engaging and rigorous, developing both the motivation and skill for a career in health sciences for learners at all levels. The health science curriculum, one of the primary projects of the HSLE, uses problem-based and project-based learning to develop scientific skills, health literacy, and non-cognitive skills relevant to a career in any health science field. Scholars will become motivated and prepared to enter college, technical training, and professional or graduate studies with the mindsets and awareness necessary to make positive changes in the health of communities of need.

Based on conversations with highly engaged partners in the Aurora, Rockford, and Chicago School districts, HSLE has created 16 “out-of-the-box” health science curriculum models and lesson plans, as well as funding for a curriculum designer/manager to work with schools to improve their existing curricula and lesson plans.

The modules, which can be explored at the Illinois Shared Learning Environment site, include:

Module 1: Mental Health

Module 2: Nutrition and Fitness

Module 3: Drugs and Addiction

Module 4: Sexual Health

Module 5: Public Health

Module 6: Rural Health

Module 7: Violence as a Public Health Problem

Module 8: America on Pills: An Introduction to Pharmacy and Health Science

Module 9: Epidemiology: Disease Detectives

Module 10: Environmental Health: Engaging Students to Work Toward Healthier Communities

Module 11: Health Policy: Debates and Dilemmas