A visit to the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center is an exciting multimedia experience! Featuring the latest in technology-based displays and exhibits, five unique teaching theaters enable students to explore the wonders of life. Our dynamic health educators lead classes that incorporate a variety of interactive exhibits. Students may use a giant mouth to identify taste buds; see and hear their own heartbeats; feel a baby kicking in a simulated womb; or see the effects of drugs on the body.
All classes and exhibits were designed in conjunction with school representatives to supplement classroom curriculum. Each program supports health, science, and technology education standards, on both the state and national levels. As standards change and evolve, we update content accordingly.
Below, you will find a listing of the current programs offered in our Teaching Theaters.
AIDS: What Kids Need to Know Grades 4–6 60 Min.
Addresses the myths, concerns, and fears children have about this disease. The class discusses the healthy immune system as well as changes that occur when the system is exposed to the HIV virus. Students learn the ways in which HIV is transmitted and the difficulty of contracting this virus.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 B, E; 10.2.6 A
NHES: 1, 3, 4, 6
Cells to Systems Grades 4–8 60–75 Min.
Leads students on a journey through the cells and systems of the body. Two body systems are emphasized; choose from respiratory, circulatory, digestive, endocrine, immune, nervous, skeletal, and muscular.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 B, E; 10.1.9 B, E; 10.2.6 A
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Fueling My Special Body Grades 2–3 60 Min.
Builds the connection between nutrition, the food pyramid, and good health. Students learn how the body processes and uses food.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 B, C; 10.2.3 B
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Huffin' 'N' Puffin' Grades 4–5 60 Min.
Focuses on the dangers of tobacco and inhalants as gateway drugs. Animated models show the impact drugs have on the respiratory and nervous systems.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 B, D, E; 10.2.6 E
NHES: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
Just Fueling Around Grades 4–6 60 Min.
Continues the exploration of healthy food choices by answering basic nutrition questions in a fun and innovative way. Students easily see that "we are what we eat."
PA Standards: 10.1.6 C; 10.2.6 B
NHES: 1, 2, 3, 6
Organ Tales Grade 3 60 Min.
Allows children to discover important facts about the organs of the body. The effects of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco on the organs are emphasized.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 B, D; 10.2.3 B
NHES: 1, 3, 6
SenseAble Me Grades 2–3 60 Min.
Shows how the senses work to protect us and enable us to learn about our world. Students search for giant taste buds, witness sound waves traveling through the ear, and see how the brain interprets messages from the senses.
PA Standards: 10.2.3 A, B
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Tuff Tooth Pre-K, 45 Min./K, 60 Min.
Demonstrates and teaches proper dental care with the help of our giant talking tooth. Activities relate diet to dental health and take the fear out of going to the dentist.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 C, E; 10.2.3 A, B
NHES: 1, 3
Violence Hurts Grades 1–3 60 Min.
Explores potentially violent situations facing students in their daily lives. The impact of stress on their physical well being is presented. This class focuses on self-esteem and behavior choices needed to handle everyday conflicts.
PA Standards: 10.3.3 A, C
NHES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Bacteria Busters Grades 1–3 60 Min.
Explores the relationship between bacteria and diseases, including how the body responds to bacterial invasion. Learning how germs are transmitted will motivate students to use good personal hygiene.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 E; 10.2.3 A, B, E
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Decay? No Way! Grades 1–3 60 Min.
Demonstrates how to care for teeth and gums using proper dental hygiene and healthy snacks. Our giant teeth help students learn how to prevent cavities.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 C, E; 10.2.3 A, B
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Healthy Hearts Grades 4–6 60 Min.
Explores how the body benefits from exercise. Students learn how exercise strengthens the heart, muscles, and body systems. Through active student participation, elements of physical fitness are explored.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 B; 10.3.6 A, B, C, D; 10.4.6 C
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Inside Story Pre-K, 45 Min./K, 60 Min.
Takes an "inside" look at the human body with the help of Simon, the Byrnes HEC mascot. Engages children in activities that stress the importance of healthy foods, cleanliness, rest, and exercise.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 B, C, E; 10.2.3 A, B; 10.4.3 C
NHES: 1, 3
My Healthy Body Grades 1–2 60 Min.
Introduces the amazing human body to the early learner. Through interactive exhibits, students will learn the basic concepts necessary to keep their bodies healthy.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 B, C, E; 10.2.3 A, B; 10.4.3 B, C
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Safety First Pre-K, 45 Min./K, 60 Min.
Through activities, a safety mural, and a simple "911" role play, this class builds awareness of safety issues and their importance to a healthy body.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 D; 10.2.3 B; 10.3.3 A, B
NHES: 3
Transformation Information Grades 5–6 60 Min.
Unfolds the physical, social, and emotional changes associated with puberty. The focus is on the natural changes the body goes through during adolescence. Emphasizes individual development and good health habits.
PA Standards: 10.1.5 A, B
NHES: 1, 3
Uniquely You Grade 3 60 Min.
Discusses how life begins for all living things. Heredity, instinctive and learned behaviors, and human development are covered in an age-appropriate format.
PA Standards: 10.1.3 A; 10.2.3 B
NHES: 1
AIDS & the Immune System Grades 8–12 90 Min.
Addresses the intricacies of the immune system, including its response to pathogens, specifically the HIV virus. HIV transmission, testing, and treatment are discussed, with a strong emphasis on prevention.
PA Standards: 10.1.9 A, B, E; 10.1.12 A, B, E; 10.2.9 D; 10.2.12 D
NHES: 1, 3, 5, 6
Cells to Systems Grades 4–8 60–75 Min.
Leads students on a journey through the cells and systems of the body. Two body systems are emphasized; choose from respiratory, circulatory, digestive, endocrine, immune, nervous, skeletal, and muscular.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 B, E; 10.1.9 B, E; 10.2.6 A
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Fat: What's Up With That? Grades 6–8 75 Min.
Explores how the media and popular culture portray health and body image. Emphasis is placed on healthy choices and self-esteem. Students learn to identify eating disorders and associated social pressures.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 C, E; 10.1.9 C; 10.2.6 B; 10.2.9 B, C; 10.4.6 B; 10.4.9 B
NHES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Just Fueling Around Grades 4–6 60 Min.
Continues the exploration of healthy food choices by answering basic nutrition questions in a fun and innovative way. Students easily see that "we are what we eat."
PA Standards: 10.1.6 C; 10.2.6 B
NHES: 1, 2, 3, 6
Transformation Information Grades 5–6 60 Min.
Unfolds the physical, social, and emotional changes associated with puberty. The focus is on the natural changes the body goes through during adolescence. Emphasizes individual development and good health habits.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 A, B
NHES: 1, 3
AIDS: What Kids Need to Know Grades 4–6 60 Min.
Addresses the myths, concerns, and fears children have about this disease. The class discusses the healthy immune system as well as changes that occur when the system is exposed to the HIV virus. Students learn the ways in which HIV is transmitted and the difficulty of contracting this virus.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 B, E; 10.2.6 A
NHES: 1, 3, 4, 6
Drugs: What's The Big Deal? Grades 6–8 75 Min.
Describes the body's response to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Discussion of peer pressure and refusal skills are part of the class.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 B, D, E; 10.1.9 A, E; 10.2.9 B, C
NHES: 1, 3, 4, 6
Healthy Hearts Grades 4–6 60 Min.
Explores how the body benefits from exercise. Students learn how exercise strengthens the heart, muscles, and body systems. Through active student participation, elements of physical fitness are explored.
PA Standards: 10.1.6 B; 10.3.6 A, B, C, D; 10.4.6 C
NHES: 1, 3, 6
Teen Talk Grades 7–8 75 Min.
Focuses on the issues of puberty and teenage sexuality, including responsibility and consequences of sexual activity. Abstinence-based discussions include relationship building and personal responsibilities. Students practice clear communication skills through role play.
PA Standards: 10.1.9 A, E; 10.2.9 C, D
NHES: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
AIDS & the Immune System Grades 8–12 90 Min.
Addresses the intricacies of the immune system, including its response to pathogens, specifically the HIV virus. HIV transmission, testing, and treatment are discussed, with a strong emphasis on prevention.
PA Standards: 10.1.9 A, B, E; 10.1.12 A, B, E; 10.2.9 D; 10.2.12 D
NHES: 1, 3, 5, 6
Extreme Makeover: Body Edition Grades 9–12 90 Min.
In this innovative class, students learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices. Topics discussed are nutritional needs, fitness activities, and stress management.
PA Standards: 10.1.9 A, C, D, E; 10.1.12 A, B, C; 10.2.9 B, C, D; 10.2.12 B, C, D; 10.3.12 D; 10.4.9 A, B, C, D, E; 10.4.12 A, B, C, D, E
NHES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Think Before You Drink Grades 9–12 90 Min.
Focuses on the dangerous effects of alcohol on various body systems, as well as binge drinking, fetal alcohol syndrome, addiction, and peer pressure. An integral part of this class is an understanding that the choices students make have consequences. A look at true-life scenarios gives students a reality check.
PA Standards: 10.1.9 A, D, E; 10.1.12 D, E; 10.2.9 C, D;
10.2.12 C, D
NHES: 1, 3, 4, 6
Drugs, Dilemmas & Decisions Grades 9–12 90 Min.
Examines the effects of substance abuse on the nervous and respiratory systems. Decision-making skills, the influence of social pressures, and the addiction process are highlighted.
PA Standards: 10.1.9 A, D, E; 10.1.12 D, E; 10.2.9 C, D; 10.2.12 D, E
NHES: 1, 3, 4, 6
* Teachers: Customize your visits by choosing two of the following substances: Alcohol, Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Methamphetamine (Ice), Club Drugs, Hallucinogens, Tobacco, or Marijuana.
Life Begins Grades 9–12 90 Min.
Examines the "miracle of life" through dramatic exhibits, videos, and models, including the Empathy Belly (pregnancy vest). The anatomy of the reproduction system, fertilization, fetal development, and the birth process are included.
PA Standards: 10.1.9 A, E; 10.1.12 A, E; 10.2.9 D; 10.2.12 D
NHES: 1, 3, 5, 6