Pennsylvania K–6 health standards

Pennsylvania writes its own health standards. They are published as Academic Standards for Health, Safety & Physical Education, adopted 2002 and are not a version of a national framework. Every one is matched to a national standard.

Grade-band grid; content-present 100%, verbatim 73%. Sex-ed stripped per Doctrine #6 after promotion.

Framework: Academic Standards for Health, Safety & Physical Education
Adopted: 2002
Source last checked: August 1, 2026

Read the official document

27 standards, kindergarten through 6th grade

10.1.3.A3
Identify and describe the stages of growth and development.
- infancy
- childhood
- adolescence
- adulthood
- late adulthood
10.1.3.B3
Identify and know the location and function of the major body organs and systems.
- circulatory
- respiratory
- muscular
- skeletal
- digestive
10.1.3.C3
Explain the role of the food guide pyramid in helping people eat a healthy diet.
- food groups
- number of servings
- variety of food
- nutrients
10.1.3.D3
Know age appropriate drug information.
- definition of drugs
- effects of drugs
- proper use of medicine
- healthy/unhealthy risk-taking (e.g. inhalant use, smoking)
- skills to avoid drugs
10.1.3.E3
Identify types and causes of common health problems of children.
- infectious diseases (e.g., colds, flu, chickenpox)
- noninfectious diseases (e.g. asthma, hay fever, allergies, lyme disease)
- germs
- pathogens
- heredity
10.2.3.A3
Identify personal hygiene practices and community helpers that promote health and prevent the spread of disease.
10.2.3.B3
Identify health-related information.
- signs and symbols
- terminology
- products and services
10.2.3.C3
Identify media sources that influence health and safety.
10.2.3.D3
Identify the steps in a decision-making process.
10.2.3.E3
Identify environmental factors that affect health.
- pollution (e.g., air, water, noise, soil)
- waste disposal
- temperature extremes
- insects/animals
10.3.3.A3
Recognize safe/unsafe practices in the home, school and community.
- general (e.g., fire, electrical, animals)
- modes of transportation(e.g., pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular)
- outdoor (e.g., play, weather, water)
- safe around people (e.g., safe/unsafe touch, abuse, stranger, bully)
10.3.3.B3
Recognize emergency situations and explain appropriate responses.
- importance of remaining calm
- how to call for help
- simple assistance procedures
- how to protect self
10.3.3.C3
Recognize conflict situations and identify strategies to avoid or resolve.
- walk away
- I-statements
- refusal skills
- adult intervention
10.3.3.D3–6
Identify and use safe practices in physical activity settings (e.g., proper equipment, knowledge of rules, sun safety, guidelines of safe play, warm-up, cool-down).
10.1.6.A6
Describe growth and development changes that occur between childhood and adolescence and identify factors that can influence these changes.
- education
- socioeconomic
10.1.6.B6
Identify and describe the structure and function of the major body systems.
- nervous
- muscular
- integumentary
- urinary
- endocrine
- reproductive
- immune
10.1.6.C6
Analyze nutritional concepts that impact health.
- caloric content of foods
- relationship of food intake and physical activity (energy output)
- nutrient requirements
- label reading
- healthful food selection
10.1.6.D6
Explain factors that influence childhood and adolescent drug use.
- peer influence
- body image (e.g., steroids, enhancers)
- social acceptance
- stress
- media influence
- decision-making/refusal skills
- rules, regulations and laws
- consequences
10.2.6.A6
Explain the relationship between personal health practices and individual well-being.
- immunizations
- health examinations
10.2.6.B6
Explain the relationship between health-related information and consumer choices.
- dietary guidelines/food selection
- sun exposure guidelines/sunscreen selection
10.2.6.C6
Explain the media's effect on health and safety issues.
10.2.6.D6
Describe and apply the steps of a decision-making process to health and safety issues.
10.2.6.E6
Analyze environmental factors that impact health.
- indoor air quality (e.g., second-hand smoke, allergens)
- chemicals, metals, gases (e.g., lead, radon, carbon monoxide)
- radiation
- natural disasters
10.3.6.A6
Explain and apply safe practices in the home, school and community.
- emergencies (e.g., fire, natural disasters)
- personal safety (e.g., home alone, latch key, harassment)
- communication (e.g., telephone, Internet)
- violence prevention (e.g., gangs, weapons)
10.3.6.B6
Know and apply appropriate emergency responses.
- basic first aid
- Heimlich maneuver
- universal precautions
10.3.6.C6
Describe strategies to avoid or manage conflict and violence.
- anger management
- peer mediation
- reflective listening
- negotiation
10.3.6.D6
Analyze the role of individual responsibility for safety during physical activity.

Pennsylvania K–6 health standards

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