AIDS: ALLEVIATING FEARS - 5TH – 6TH Grade (go back)

AIDS remains a deadly epidemic for men, women and children. As many as 950,000 Americans are infected, with one quarter of them unaware of their infection. We introduce students to the facts about AIDS and how HIV/AIDS is, and is not, spread. We look at the relationship between good health practices and disease prevention and emphasize safe behaviors by contrasting them with high risk ones.

Developed to meet the Illinois state mandate for HIV education. Students learn about disease transmission, modes of transmission of HIV, and risk factors in the transmission of HIV. We explore how HIV compromises the immune system and renders an individual susceptible to opportunistic diseases. We dispel myths and look at signs, symptoms, and treatment of HIV.

Program Goals:

Goal #1: Students will increase knowledge of the immune system and its response to pathogens such as the HIV virus. Students will learn methods of transmission, effects on the body, and current research regarding HIV and AIDS.

Goal #2: Students will develop an understanding that people who are HIV positive do not spread the virus through casual contact, and therefore are not a danger to be around.

Goal #3: Students will understand that though there is no cure or vaccine for HIV, AIDS is a preventable disease. Students will learn strategies to avoid HIV infection.

Supports State Goals:

•  22.A.2b Demonstrate strategies for the prevention and reduction of communicable and non-communicable disease;
•  22.A.2c Describe and compare health and safety methods that reduce the risks associated with dangerous situations;
•  23.A.2 Identify basic body systems and their functions; and
•  23.B.2 Differentiate between positive and negative effects of health-related actions on body systems.

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