Diabetes Research Connection’s Classroom Workshop is an interactive, age-appropriate learning experience that helps elementary school students understand Type 1 diabetes (T1D), better understand and support the people in their lives living with T1D, and explore real-world science through hands-on activities.
The program can be adapted to fit your classroom schedule and needs, with timing varying based on the STEM activity selected, student age, and time available for questions and discussion. Email us at info@diabetesresearchconnection.org to coordinate.
T1D Bestie introduces students to the basics of T1D, including what causes it, how it is managed, and what daily life can look like for someone with the disease. Through interactive questions, real-world scenarios, and discussion, students learn to:
The presentation is designed to be especially supportive and empowering for classrooms with a student or teacher living with T1D, while giving every student practical tools for becoming a T1D Bestie.
Students then put on their scientist hats for a hands-on STEM activity that connects what they have learned about diabetes to the process of scientific discovery. Depending on the activity selected, students may investigate glucose in common foods and drinks, explore the importance of clean hands in diabetes care, or complete another age-appropriate STEM challenge. Along the way, students practice asking questions, making predictions, carrying out investigations, collecting and analyzing data, and using evidence to draw conclusions.
We know teachers already have a lot to fit into the school day. That’s why the Classroom Presentation Program was designed to do more than teach students about Type 1 diabetes. Activities intentionally reinforce skills and concepts already reflected in classroom curriculum, allowing students to build science, health, and social-emotional skills while learning how to better understand and support people living with T1D.
The program includes connections to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Science and Engineering Practices, California Health Education Standards, and humane education principles.
The T1D Bestie program supports California’s humane education goals by encouraging the humane treatment of people through lessons focused on empathy, respect, inclusion, and compassionate action. California Education Code §60042 calls for instructional materials that encourage the humane treatment of animals and people.
T1D Bestie activities are designed to give students opportunities to develop health literacy and interpersonal skills reflected in the California Health Education Content Standards.
Future Scientists Club activities are designed to give students hands-on opportunities to develop skills reflected in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Science and Engineering Practices.
If your school is located in the San Diego area, contact Diabetes Research Connection at info@diabetesresearchconnection.org to schedule a DRC representative to visit your classroom and lead the program. We’ll bring everything needed for the presentation, including hands-on STEM activity materials, a T1D Bestie booklet for every student to take home, and a sticker certifying each student as an Official T1D Bestie!
Download our complete Classroom Kit and bring the program to your students wherever you are. The kit includes the presentation, teacher notes, activity instructions, and supporting materials you need to lead the workshop in your own classroom. (Please note: Diabetes Research Connection does not provide the materials for the STEM activity as a part of this classroom kit.)
We want every teacher to be able to access this program, regardless of their school or classroom budget. Both the Classroom Kit and DRC-led classroom presentations are offered at no cost to educators.
If you are able, an optional donation to Diabetes Research Connection helps us provide classroom materials, expand the program to more schools, and continue funding innovative Type 1 diabetes research.
Name an entire research project after your family, foundation, or loved one affected by Type 1 Diabetes. Funding an entire project gives you exclusive access to the researcher for individual updates about the progress of their project and recognition in all published materials.
