Learning About Health From the Inside Out

Shorecrest first graders in Mrs. Martin’s class created and hosted a health and wellness fair before winter break to present what they learned throughout their Human Body unit of study. The months-long study was guided by the questions, “What do we already know about the human body, and what do we want to know about the human body?”

The students named their final project share “The Martin Sunshine Health and Wellness Fair.” 

Everyone participated in learning all about the human body, and then students did a deeper dive into a category of their choice. They presented their knowledge in small groups for visiting family members.

The heart group shared their learning through research and dissection with Mrs. Peck, and listened to the hearts of their participants before and after they did exercises selected from their list.

A group of digestion experts set up a healthy eating stand and had an activity at their booth to categorize foods as either snacks or meals. They also shared what they learned about digestion through research and meeting experts. They gave out smoothies to visiting family members. 

A group of eye experts gave vision tests and shared optical illusions with visitors. They also shared what they knew about the eye through research and dissection with Mrs. Peck.

A brain group taught about the brain and how to keep a calm mind. They crafted a brain game and a sand drawing calming activity. 

A group named The Yogis shared about muscles and how they work. They offered yoga lessons so visitors could stretch their muscles.

The excellent X-ray group shared about the skeletal system and taught participants how to make their own “X-rays.” 

Students also created their own “Sunshine dollar bills” and piggy banks to be used at the fair. 

Between the stretching, snacking, listening to heartbeats, and plenty of proud explaining along the way, these first graders truly took the lead as health experts.