Tennessee K–6 health standards

Tennessee writes its own health standards. They are published as Tennessee Health Education Standards, adopted 2024 and are not a version of a national framework. Every one is matched to a national standard.

Framework: Tennessee Health Education Standards
Adopted: 2024
Source last checked: August 3, 2026

Read the official document

177 standards, kindergarten through 6th grade

K.PCW.1K
Identify food as a source of energy and growth.
K.PCW.2K
Identify healthy food items versus unhealthy food items.
K.PCW.3K
Identify the importance of participating in the recommended one hour of daily physical activity and importance of sleep.
K.PCW.4K
Identify items that you can reduce/reuse/ recycle.
K.EW.1K
Explain that feelings can be expressed in different ways.
K.EW.2K
Describe and practice situations when it is appropriate to use "Please," "Thank You," "Excuse Me," and "I'm Sorry."
K.EW.3K
Identify a trusted adult to consult before making a choice.
K.DP.1K
Define and discuss blood borne pathogens (i.e., germs).
K.DP.2K
Identify the importance of healthy and unhealthy personal hygiene.
K.DP.3K
Identify proper hygiene skills (e.g., hand washing, shampooing, flossing, etc.).
K.DP.4K
Identify common pathogens (i.e., germs) such as cold, flu, strep, or gastrointestinal and methods of preventing their spread.
K.S.1K
Identify examples of media and social media and how they can be linked to safety.
K.S.2K
Identify positive and N egative communication among peers, family, and community.
K.S.3K
Recognize that sun exposure can be harmful to your skin.
K.S.4K
Explain why medicines are used.
K.S.5K
Explain that medicine can be helpful or harmful.
K.S.6K
Explain over-the-counter medicines.
K.S.7K
Explain prescription medicines.
K.S.8K
Distinguish between emergency and non-emergency situations.
K.S.9K
Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touching.
K.S.10K
Identify ways to stay safe when crossing the street, riding a bike, and playing.
K.S.11K
Identify threats to personal safety.
K.HGD.1K
Identify the basic body parts.
1.PCW.11
Identify the basic food groups and examples.
1.PCW.21
Describe a healthy meal using the basic food group.
1.PCW.31
Identify physical activities used in daily life that promote healthy living.
1.PCW.41
Identify the importance of reduce/reuse/ recycle practices.
1.EW.11
Define choices and consequences.
1.EW.21
Name and describe qualities and characteristics that make all individuals unique.
1.EW.31
Identify characteristics of a responsible family member.
1.DP.11
Identify situations where you could come in contact with blood borne communicable pathogens (e.g., school, home, playgrounds, automobile and recreational accidents).
1.DP.21
Explain the importance of not sharing personal hygiene items (e.g., toothbrush, combs, brushes).
1.DP.31
Demonstrate healthy personal hygiene practices (e.g., hand washing, shampooing, flossing, etc.).
1.DP.41
Identify communicable and non-communicable diseases.
1.S.11
Define media sources and how they are used at home, school, and in the community.
1.S.21
Recognize the characteristics of bullying.
1.S.31
Identify proper ways to reduce sun exposure (e.g., sunscreen, long sleeves, hat, time of day).
1.S.41
Describe the appropriate and inappropriate roles of medicine in keeping people healthy.
1.S.51
Recognize the proper use of common household products (e.g., over-the-counter meds, cleaners, gas, markers).
1.S.61
Explain when prescription medicines should be taken.
1.S.71
Demonstrate effective ways to say "no" when offered medicine or other drugs by someone other than a trusted adult.
1.S.81
Discuss the importance of safety rules in home, school, and the community.
1.S.91
Report when someone is injured or ill to a responsive caregiver.
1.S.101
Identify proper backpack carrying guidelines.
1.S.111
Recognize situations that need to be reported to a trusted adult.
1.HGD.11
Identify the functions of the human body systems.
2.PCW.12
Describe the importance of healthy meals and snacks.
2.PCW.22
Identify the appropriate amount of water to drink each day.
2.PCW.32
Describe the importance of choosing active versus non-active leisure activities.
2.PCW.42
Identify steps you can take to reduce/reuse/ recycle in your home.
2.EW.12
Explain what it means to be emotionally and mentally healthy.
2.EW.22
Identify the importance of developing and maintaining healthy relationships.
2.EW.32
Identify various family structures.
2.DP.12
Explain the importance of finding a responsible adult when an accident occurs.
2.DP.22
Identify and define common pathogens that affect personal hygiene.
2.DP.32
Describe ways through which common pathogens can enter the body.
2.DP.42
Explain the differences in communicable and non-communicable diseases.
2.S.12
Describe the basics of online safety (not disclosing personal information, not informing others you are home alone, etc.).
2.S.22
Identify bullying situations.
2.S.32
Understand the health risks that are associated with excess sun exposure.
2.S.42
Identify trusted adults at home and beyond who can distribute medication for its intended use.
2.S.52
Identify the consequences of smoking, second-hand smoking, and environmental tobacco smoke.
2.S.62
Describe potential risks associated with use of over-the-counter medicines.
2.S.72
Describe harmful effects of the misuse and abuse of prescription medicines.
2.S.82
Identify ways to reduce the risk of injuries and death from injury.
2.S.92
Discuss the meaning of basic safety-related signs, symbols, and warning labels.
2.S.102
Identify basic weather-related emergency guidelines.
2.S.112
Identify skills used for protection to maximize personal safety.
2.HGD.12
Explain the importance of the basic body systems.
3.PCW.13
Describe the benefits of drinking water as the main fluid source.
3.PCW.23
Describe the consequences of consuming excessive sugary beverages.
3.PCW.33
Identify personal physical activity goals needed to achieve overall wellness.
3.PCW.43
Describe different types of pollution and their environmental effects.
3.EW.13
Evaluate various influences on decision making.
3.EW.23
Demonstrate the various ways that feelings can be expressed.
3.EW.33
Identify ways children can contribute to healthy family life.
3.DP.13
Identify personal protective equipment and its main functions.
3.DP.23
Identify the consequences of not maintaining appropriate oral and personal hygiene.
3.DP.33
Describe the importance of regular dental visits to maintain good oral health.
3.DP.43
Identify the mode of transmission for various pathogens that cause communicable diseases.
3.S.13
Identify how to report online bullying, threatening situations, or inappropriate content.
3.S.23
Explain the importance of telling a trusted adult about a bullying situation.
3.S.33
Demonstrate proper ways to reduce sun exposure (e.g., sunscreen, long sleeves, hat, time of day).
3.S.43
Identify the consequences of using tobacco products, alcohol, and other hazardous substances.
3.S.53
Identify the consequences of using hazardous substances (e.g., alcohol, tobacco).
3.S.63
Identify family and school rules about medicine use.
3.S.73
Describe proper storage and disposal of prescription medicines.
3.S.83
Demonstrate appropriate choices related to reducing unintentional injuries.
3.S.93
Describe appropriate actions for emergency and non-emergency situations.
3.S.103
Identify the importance of having a home safety plan for various emergency situations.
3.S.113
Identify refusal skills when in personal safety situations (e.g., a clear "No" statement, walk/run away, change subject, delay).
3.HGD.13
Describe the types of basic human parts.
4.PCW.14
Use USDA guidelines to identify a variety of foods for a healthy diet.
4.PCW.24
Create a healthy meal plan based on USDA guidelines.
4.PCW.34
Identify how unhealthy food choices and physical inactivity contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
4.PCW.44
Identify ways the environment affects a person's physical health.
4.EW.14
Identify the positive ways that peers and family members show support, care, and appreciation for one another.
4.EW.24
Explain how peers, family, and media influence personal thoughts, feelings, and healthy behaviors.
4.EW.34
Identify how changes in the family can influence emotions.
4.DP.14
Explain the importance of using personal protective equipment while attending to others who are injured.
4.DP.24
Describe how personal hygiene can positively/ negatively affect social interactions with peers.
4.DP.34
Identify daily hygiene needs and where products can be located (e.g., store, nurses, clinics).
4.DP.44
prevention strategies for not spreading pathogens (e.g., vaccines, staying home with fever).
4.S.14
Describe ways social media can influence personal health.
4.S.24
Differentiate between situations to accurately determine the difference between a disagreement and bullying.
4.S.34
Describe ways to reduce sun exposure in your life and the lives of family and friends.
4.S.44
Practice refusal skills to avoid hazardous substances.
4.S.54
Predict the benefits of refusing hazardous substances and how they contribute to overall health.
4.S.64
Explain how to read a label.
4.S.84
List common injury risks for children (e.g., motor vehicles, fires, flames, drowning, handgun injuries, falls, poisonings, chokings, suffocation, strangulation, and bike/pedestrian injuries).
4.S.94
Describe methods to prevent common injuries in children.
4.S.104
Demonstrate different methods of safe routes from emergency situations in home, school, and the community.
4.S.114
Identify resource persons in schools and the community and know how to seek help from them.
4.HGD.14
Compare functions of the human body systems.
5.PCW.15
Identify how unhealthy food choices and physical inactivity contribute to the development of chronic diseases. (e.g., high B/P)
5.PCW.25
Describe the pros and cons of drinking various types of beverages (milk, juice, water, etc.).
5.PCW.35
Implement a wellness routine (e.g., physical activity, adequate rest and sleep).
5.PCW.45
Identify resources and facilities in the community that promote healthy living.
5.EW.15
Identify positive and negative stress.
5.EW.25
Identify questions to ask during the process of making a choice ("Do I show respect for myself and others?").
5.EW.35
Understand that cultural differences exist and influence emotions.
5.DP.15
Describe and demonstrate how to properly care for an individual whose bodily fluids could contain blood borne pathogens (e.g., proper wound care, cleaning methods, and disposal).
5.DP.45
Explain how viruses and bacteria affect the immune system and impact health.
5.S.15
Analyze the positive and negative influences of social media on personal and family health.
5.S.25
Develop strategies that decrease bullying situations.
5.S.35
Understand the relationship between sun exposure, tanning beds, and family history to the development of disease and illness.
5.S.45
Describe the harmful short-term and long-term effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other hazardous substances.
5.S.55
Explain how using hazardous substances (e.g., alcohol, tobacco) can adversely impact bodily systems.
5.S.65
Explain how to understand dosage.
5.S.75
Describe opioids, how they are used, and the dangers of misuse and abuse of opioids.
5.S.85
Identify first aid techniques.
5.S.95
Demonstrate first aid techniques.
5.S.105
Compare and contrast the benefits and consequences of safety preparation when faced with an emergency situation.
5.S.115
Differentiate between situations which need peer support and those which need adult help.
5.HGD.15
Explain how health is influenced by the i nteraction of human body systems.
6.PW.16
Explain the relationship between a balanced nutrition program and the essential nutrients for overall wellness.
6.PW.26
Analyze tools such as Dietary Guidelines and Food Fact Labels as they relate to the planning of nutrition and fitness.
6.PW.36
Apply strategies to consume a variety of nutrient dense foods and beverages.
6.PW.46
Research lifelong nutrition and health-related fitness concepts to enhance quality of life.
6.PW.56
Identify and evaluate basic personal hygiene habits.
6.PW.76
Identify the importance of participation in the recommended one hour of daily physical activity.
6.PW.86
Explain the benefits of exercise for improved social, mental, and physical health.
6.MESH.16
Identify coping skills to deal with the health effects of stress, loss, and depression.
6.MESH.26
Describe the importance of setting personal boundaries for privacy, safety, and expression of emotions and opinions.
6.MESH.36
Identify internal and external influences on social, emotional, and mental health.
6.MESH.46
Discuss the importance of getting guidance from a trusted adult when faced with a threatening situation. (e.g. bullying, threats)
6.MESH.56
Identify trusted adults who can help with mental, social, and emotional health problems.
6.MESH.66
Identify discrimination, and bias and how it can lead to violence.
6.MESH.76
Identify refusal and negotiation skills to avoid or reduce mental, social, andemotional health risks in hypothetical situations.
6.MESH.86
Identify decision-making strategies to enhance all aspects of health.
6.MESH.96
Identify how personal goals can be affected by poor decision-making.
6.SP.16
Identify communicable diseases, their symptoms, and how they are spread. Identify prevention techniques and treatment.
6.SP.26
Identify common non-communicable diseases, their symptoms, and how they are prevented and treated.
6.SP.36
Identify different emergencies and appropriate actions.
6.SP.46
Identify appropriate resources available during emergency situations.
6.SP.56
Identify ways that choice affects the lives of an individual, others, and society.
6.SP.66
Identify trustworthy resources for healthrelated information (e.g., CDC, WHO).
6.SP.76
Describe how to report bullying, threatening situations, or inappropriate content related to social media.
6.SP.86
Identify basic refusal skills and demonstrate the ability to use them.
6.SP.96
Identify laws and rules intended to prevent injuries.
6.SP.106
Identify resources for preventative healthcare.
6.SP.116
Describe how environment and lifestyle impact health.
6.SUA.16
Identify differences between legal and illegal prescription drug use.
6.SUA.26
Summarize the effects of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, and prescription and nonprescription drugs on the human body.
6.SUA.36
Describe how the misuse of prescription medicines can progress to addiction to other harmful substances.
6.SUA.46
Describe refusal skills and appropriate opioid usage.
6.SUA.56
Identify influences that pressure people to abuse alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, including but not limited to interpersonal relationships, advertising, and social media.
6.SUA.66
Identify assertive refusal skills when confronted with peer pressure to use substances that pose a health risk.
6.SUA.76
Identify and describe local community resources that provide care or assistance to people with substance abuse issues.
6.HGD.16
Describe and explain the basic body systems and their functions.
6.HGD.116
Compare and contrast communicable and non-communicable diseases.
6.HGD.126
Define human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
6.HGD.136
Distinguish between safe and risky behavior as related to disease prevention.
6.HGD.146
Identify family structure, roles, and responsibilities and how they may change.
6.HGD.156
Describe healthy and respectful ways to express friendship, attraction, and affection.
6.HGD.166
Identify that there are individual, family, and cultural differences in relationships.
6.HGD.176
Analyze how messages from media influence relationships.

Tennessee K–6 health standards

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