Health Radar Presentation
HEALTH SCIENCE LAB
30-Minute Interactive Lesson
Risk Radar & Health Matrix
Decoding Risk, Genetics & Disease
Explore how behavioral choices, genetic factors, and protective shields shape our health against communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable
Behavioral vs. Genetics
Disease Categories
Core Concept 01
The Health Tug-of-War
Balance of Health
Risk Factors
Conditions, behaviors, or traits that increase the likelihood of developing an illness, injury, or chronic disease.
Examples:
Chronic sleep deprivation, family history of heart disease, tobacco smoke, high sodium diet.
Protective Factors
Conditions, behaviors, or resources that reduce risk, boost resilience, and support long-term wellness.
Examples:
Daily physical activity, regular handwashing, balanced nutrition, strong social support, routine screenings.
Key Insight: Increasing protective factors can buffer and mitigate existing risk factors!
Core Concept 02
Can You Change It?
Locus of Control
WITHIN YOUR CONTROL
Modifiable Factors
Primarily behavioral and environmental choices you can adjust, manage, or change over time.
Physical activity and fitness habits
Dietary choices & hydration levels
Sunscreen use & hygiene practices
FIXED BIOLOGY
Non-Modifiable Factors
Inherent genetic, biological, and chronological traits that cannot be altered.
Inherited DNA & genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1)
Biological age and developmental stages
Family medical history & biological sex
Smart Strategy: Knowing your non-modifiable factors helps you customize your modifiable behaviors!
Core Concept 03
Disease Types: Communicable vs. Non-Communicable
Pathology Spectrum
Communicable
(Infectious / Contagious)
Caused by pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) and spread from person to person, vector, or surface.
Examples: Influenza, Strep Throat, COVID-19, Malaria
Key Protection: Vaccines, handwashing, masks, sanitation
Non-Communicable
(Chronic / Non-Contagious)
Cannot be transmitted between people. Developed from a mix of genetics, aging, environmental exposures, and lifestyle.
Examples: Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Asthma, Cancer
Key Protection: Nutritious diet, exercise, stress management, screenings
Big Picture: You can actively protect yourself against BOTH disease categories!
Lab Mission • 15 Minutes
Card Sort & Categorization Challenge
Hands-On Activity
1
Examine Cards
Review the 16 factor and disease scenario cards with your partner or group.
Identify root causes & mechanisms
2
Sort to Mat
Place each card into the correct quadrant: Modifiable vs Non-Modifiable and Risk vs Protective.
Categorize into 2x2 Matrix
3
Disease Match
Classify illnesses as Communicable or Non-Communicable and map which factors influence them.
Complete reasoning prompts
Timer Goal: 15 Minutes
Be ready to defend one surprising card classification during the class debrief!
Debrief & Synthesis
Rapid Defense & Discussion
Class Discussion
Q1 Genetic vs Behavioral
"If you inherit a genetic risk for heart disease, are you guaranteed to get it? Why or why not?"
Discuss how modifiable protective factors interact with non-modifiable genetics.
Q2 Communicable Shields
"Which modifiable protective factors protect you against communicable diseases like the flu or COVID-19?"
Compare hygiene and vaccination to lifestyle habits like physical fitness.
Next Step: Complete Your Exit Ticket
Demonstrate your mastery on the 3-minute synthesis check.
Risk Factor Sorting Activity
RISK RADAR SORTING MAT
Health Factors & Disease Classification Lab
30-Min Hands-On Lab
Name:
Date:
Period / Group:
1 Part 1: The Factor Matrix (Cards 1–8)
Sort card numbers (1–8) into the correct quadrants
Modifiable Risk Factors Behavioral
Choices/habits that elevate health risk but can be changed.
Card #s & Key Reason:
Modifiable Protective Habits
Proactive choices/actions that strengthen defenses and resilience.
Card #s & Key Reason:
Non-Modifiable Risk Genetics/Age
Inherent biological/genetic traits that increase vulnerability.
Card #s & Key Reason:
Non-Modifiable Protective Biological
Innate genetic or biological factors providing natural resistance/advantage.
Card #s & Key Reason:
2 Part 2: Disease Classification & Defense (Cards 9–16)
Match diseases to their transmission mechanism
Communicable Diseases Pathogen-Spread
Spread by viruses, bacteria, or parasites from host to host.
List Disease Card #s / Names:
Primary Protective Action:
Non-Communicable Diseases Chronic / Genetic
Not contagious; driven by genetics, lifestyle, and environment.
List Disease Card #s / Names:
Primary Protective Action:
Part 3: Clinical Reasoning Prompt
Maya has a strong family history of Type 2 Diabetes (non-modifiable genetic factor). Explain how implementing two specific modifiable protective factors can alter her health trajectory:
LAB CUTOUT CARDS • 16 FACTOR & DISEASE SCENARIOS
Cut along dotted lines or use as reference numbers
1
Daily 45-Min Aerobic Activity
Consistent moderate-to-vigorous exercise strengthening cardiac muscle and insulin sensitivity.
2
Inherited BRCA1 Gene Mutation
Inherited genetic sequence alteration significantly elevating lifetime breast and ovarian cancer risk.
3
Daily E-Cigarette / Tobacco Vaping
Inhaling aerosolized nicotine, heavy metals, and carcinogens damaging lung alveoli and arteries.
4
Biological Aging (Age 75+)
Natural cellular senescence, telomere shortening, and gradual decline in immune system efficiency.
5
Applying SPF 50+ Sunscreen Daily
Behavioral barrier shielding skin epithelial cells from ionizing UVA/UVB radiation damage.