Respected resources to teach students about depression and anxiety

Robin Williams

Robin Williams

With the passing today of Robin Williams due to his reported battle with depression it might be a worthwhile process to discuss depression with your teenage students.

Whilst many students would be aware of bullying and unsociable behavior from the moment they enter school, it would be rare that they are made aware of depression and the devastating effects it can have on on individuals and families.

It is a silent killer, In my homeland of Australia more than twice as many people die as a result of suicide than is claimed by the road toll.  Of them more than two thirds are young males.

So here are a few recognized organizations that provide information to students about understanding and dealing with depression. 

Teen Depression from helpguide.org

NHS UK - Child Depression information

Headspace Australia

Kids Helpline

 

Lesson Plan on the Food Pyramid and Food Groups

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This is complete lesson plan aimed at students aged 9 - 12 examining the food pyramid and the five food groups.  The purpose of this lesson is to inform students about healthy eating options and the manner in which a healthy diet contributes to a healthy mind and body. 

This activity will allow students to develop an understanding of the five food groups as outlined in the food pyramid and how to use the pyramid as a guide in maintaining good health and nutrition

At the completion of this activity students will be able to;

–Identify what we can do to keep our bodies healthy

–List the 5 food groups within the food pyramid

–Provide examples of each food group

–Analyse their dietary intake by separating foods eaten into the proper food groups

We would love to hear any feedback and thoughts you have to enhance this lesson.

Germ Attack Lesson Plan

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This is a great lesson plan from the Albany Health System to teach younger children about the risks associated with spreading germs.

It promotes good hygiene and practice around avoiding spreading of disease.

Click here to download the lesson plan 

Teach your students anatomy with Google Body Browser

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Google Body is a detailed 3D model of the human body. You can peel back anatomical layers, zoom in, and navigate to parts that interest you. Click to identify anatomy, or search for muscles, organs, bones and more.

You can also share the exact scene you are viewing by copying and pasting the corresponding URL.

Students and Biology teachers will find this a really useful tool for gaining a visual understanding of the human body.  Access the site here and below is a video explaining how it works.

Everthing you need to know about the 5 senses

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As per usual the BBC have put together another excellent website about the human senses, what they do and how they work. Below are some great activities from the site which can be accessed here.

Are your eyes being tricked by your brain? Do you know what a supertaster is? Or how to avoid travel sickness? Put your senses to the test in our Senses Challenge.

Discover why food tastes bland if you can't smell.

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Are you a supertaster?

Does everything on the menu sound unappealing or delicious? Take our test to find out if you're a supertaster.

Supertaster | Science of Supertasters

Nose

Sniffing the decades

See if we can predict which decade you were born in from the smells that remind you of your childhood.

Fingers

Nervous system game

Wire up the body parts to the correct nerves in our nervous system game.

Eye

Brain map

Use our brain map to navigate your way to the part of your brain you use to see.