K-12 Health Education & Physical Education Essential Standards
Elementary Puberty Education
Objectives related to puberty education are taught in the fourth and fifth grades. The essential standards are:
Fourth Grade: Students will understand the changes that occur during puberty and adolescence. The clarifying objectives include:
1. Students will be able to summarize physical and emotional changes during puberty.
2. Students will recognize that individuals experience puberty at different rates.
Fifth Grade: Students will analyze the changes and influences that occur during puberty and adolescence. The clarifying objectives include:
1. Students will be able to recall that puberty is characterized by the development of secondary sex characteristics at the onset of reproductive capacity.
2. Differentiate between accurate and inaccurate sources of information about puberty and development.
3. Summarize the functions of the male and female reproductive system.
4. Illustrate how societal influences can impact behavioral choices and feelings regarding one's reproductive health.
5. Deconstruct media messages as they relate to their influence on perceptions of desireable body sizes and shapes.
Resources used in fourth and fifth grade lessons are from "The Puberty Workshop and Curriculum," a product of Human Relations Media and may be previewed at the elementary schools or Central Services. Specific questions may be directed to Dr. Sue Kreuser, Director of Healthful Living at 252.728.4583 ext. 1112 or email sue.kreuser@carteretk12.org
Secondary Reproductive Health and Safety Curriculum
The following lessons are posted with permission from the authors, the North Carolina Association for the Advancement of Health Education (NCAAHE). The documents were written in 2012 and are intended as a supplement to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Essential Standards of Interpersonal Communications and Relationships. Although most lessons are posted in their entirety, not all lessons are used by Carteret County Schools. Several lessons regarding condom use are not taught in Carteret County Public Schools' middle and high school health classes. These lessons are modified to reflect the values and curriculum of the CCPSS and may be previewed in the secondary schools or at Central Servies.
6th Grade Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
7th Grade Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
