Fall Health Science Activities You Must Try

I may be a little biased because Autumn is my favorite season, but oh well! Having engaging activities to do during this time is so important. Students’ minds may be focused on upcoming breaks or starting to burn out.

1. Flu Prevention Campaign - We may not like it, but cold & flu season is here! In efforts to spread awareness and promote healthy practices, students can complete this campaign.

Supplies:

• Paper

• Poster boards

• Coloring utensils

• Laptop

How to:

It may be helpful to review vaccines first. Here’s a creative review activity.

You can let students complete this project solo or in pairs. Students should create physical or digital brochures or posters. The brochures or posters should focus on flu prevention strategies. These include the vaccination process, hygiene practices, and common symptoms. Feel free to welcome a flipped classroom setting where students present their campaigns to the class.

I think this is a great way to include a project grade, extra credit, or a relevant review activity!

2. Thanksgiving Medication Matchup - Here’s a festive flair for a review game. Sit back and watch the excitement as students work to solve the scenarios on the board or work at their desk!

 How to:

Provide these 9 family members (Grandma Pearl, Cousin Breanne, Aunt Misty, and more) with the medication that treats their symptoms. This is great for reviewing commonly prescribed meds with your health science, pharmacy, nursing, or medical students. Click here to learn more about this game.

3. Pharmacy Technology Fall Scavenger Hunt - This requires extra prep on the teacher’s end, but is a good way for students to think critically and have fun. Brainstorm the items you want to place in your classroom before hosting this activity! Setting a time limit and selecting groups is a good way to prepare the class for success.

Optional Supplies:

• Pumpkin: Find an item (real or image) that features a pumpkin

• Autumn Leaf: Locate a decorative leaf that could symbolize herbal medicine or natural remedies

• Flu Shot Information: Search for a flyer or handout related to flu vaccinations (super easy if activity # 1 is posted in the room)

• Seasonal Allergy Medication: Find a box or image of an over-the-counter allergy medication (yes, Fall allergies exist)

• Medication Administration Tool: Identify an item used for administering medication (e.g., syringe, dropper).

• Pharmacy Safety Sign: Locate a sign related to safety practices in pharmacy (e.g., "Wash Hands" sign).

• Health Awareness Month: Find a calendar or poster that highlights a health awareness month in Fall (like Breast Cancer Awareness).

• Fall-Themed Health Tip: Locate a health tip related to staying healthy during the fall season (e.g., tips for staying active in colder weather).

 The beauty of this activity is that you can always add or change the items to your liking. If you need more activities for your pharmacy unit/course, look here.

Be sure to return and share feedback after you’ve completed the activities!

Also, feel free to drop some Fall lesson ideas for other educators to try in the comments.