Curriculum Supplements – High School, Grades 9 – 12

The health education unit consists of six lessons for students in grades 9-12.  Students are challenged to define diabetes, identify risks for type 2 diabetes, and explore five professions involved in the treatment/preventions of type 2 diabetes.  The students also discover how changes in American Indian / Alaska Native environments and lifestyles may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.  Through evaluation and comparison of stories and graphs or charts, along with interviews and role playing, students will become aware of ways to reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes.  Students will synthesize and communicate information in a newsletter that defines and describes the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

The science unit consists of seven science-related lessons for grades 9-12.  It has three primary scientific topics:  blood glucose; homeostasis; and health is life in balance.  The seven lessons focus on: diabetes and its impact on the Circle of Balance, with personal stories of two American Indian teens with diabetes; blood glucose, with a hands-on experiment; keeping blood glucose in balance and homeostasis; how insulin works and insulin receptors; reducing the chance of developing diabetes and the complications associated with high blood glucose; evaluation, with the story of another young American Indian woman; and health careers related to diabetes for which students may have knowledge or interest..