The Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, student health fair: an impetus for learning

Earle Brown School, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, was the site of a health fair. Students, teachers, parents, agencies, and health professionals worked cooperatively to provide health information activities and screening opportunities for fair participants. Brooklyn Center's Health Fair created an awareness of health promotion for the entire community. The purpose was to present the district's newly revised school health education curriculum to stimulate positive community focus on health. Student involvement was integral in every facet of the fair from planning events to presenting health information. A sense of pride and ownership developed as students assumed responsibility for carrying out activities. Enthusiasm for participation was evident as 50% of the 1,300 students within the district were active in the fair. An enhanced self-concept on the part of the students was facilitated through active participation, and increased awareness of positive health behaviors and healthy lifestyles resulted. A spirit of cooperation between school, community, and agencies was strengthened leading to continued support for the goals of the new school health curriculum.