The aim of this module is to enable students to consider their own health in a wider context, both from personal experience and using an evidence-based approach, to understand the impact that their decisions and behaviours can have on themselves personally, their families, and their wider communities.

There is increasing scientific evidence that lifestyle choices at an early age can drastically affect young people’s health and the health of their future children, increasing risk of ill health later on in life. This module draws on the scientific research on epigenetics, non-communicable diseases (e.g. heart, lung and liver disease), as well as communicable diseases, to raise young people’s awareness and interest in the science underpinning health issues. The lessons incorporate science education and behavioural change research in relation to health on how we can best support students to learn science for everyday life. Helping young people develop their reasoning and decision-making skills, making positive changes to adolescent health-related attitudes and helping break cycles of unhealthy behaviour.

This module consist of a series of four pre-lessons, the LifeLab Day Activities (series of hands-on practical activities), and a series of post-lessons which involve students in enquiry-based learning by designing, conducting and presenting the outcomes of their own health investigations.

Provided for each lesson:

• teacher lesson plan with curriculum links
• teacher PowerPoint
• student pages
• additional teaching resources

• recognise the role scientists played in the COVID-19 pandemic.
• describe how scientists conduct trials to develop new treatments.
• identify the advantages of taking part in scientific research.

• compare methods used to study health in our communities.
• describe the types of evidence different data sources can give us.
• evaluate your own diet.

• determine possible risks to health.
• suggest how different factors might influence an individual’s health.
• carry out research on a non-communicable disease.

• identify risk factors that can affect our health.
• analyse evidence from different sources.
• draw conclusions from the evidence.

• describe how scientists measure health.
• use scientific equipment safely to collect health measurements.
• explain how genes could affect health.
• describe some of the research being carried out at the University and Hospital.
• design a health pledge to improve your own long-term health.
• download the LifeLab EACH-B App.

• analyse health data and health risks.
• review progress made with my health pledge.
• evaluate the marketing strategies used in selling food.

• identify fake news and its purpose.
• describe how misinformation impacts on individuals and society.
• explain why it is important check information is reliable and trustworthy.

• design, construct and carry out your own scientific health investigation.
• record reliable, precise and accurate data.
• make a conclusion based on your data.
• present your results as a scientific health investigation poster.
• evaluate what makes a good scientific health investigation poster.