Physiology Understanding Week Physiology Understanding Week APS APS Education
PhUn Week 2007 webpages coming soon!

Send an email to: phunweek@the-aps.org to be notified of updates on this webpage for PhUn Week 2007, November 5-9.

View the presentation, “PhUn Week: Promoting the Understanding of Physiology,” given by Marsha Lakes Matyas, Ph.D., APS Director of Education Programs, at the Science + Society Conference on January 20, 2007 in Boston, MA.

The APS Education Office invites you to volunteer and participate in an exciting APS Member outreach program to K - 12 classrooms

The APS Physiology Understanding (PhUn) Week has been established to increase student awareness of physiology in their lives. PhUn Week also aims to enhance student interest in physiology as a possible career. The theme for this year's PhUn Week is the physiology of exercise, but APS members are welcome to focus on other areas of physiology. PhUn Week should be scheduled as close as possible to the week of November 6th.
Downloadable Resources Go back to top
Suggested Grade Level! K-5th grade Middle School
(6th - 8th grade)		 High School
(9th - 12th grade)
Instructional Resources Modified Elvis for Elementary (pdf)
(refer to High School Physiology of Fitness Learning Cycle Unit) 		Physiology of Exercise (pdf)
See the Learning Cycle Unit. 		Physiology of Fitness (pdf)
See the Learning Cycle Unit.
Pre-Visit Activities Heart Rate Respiration Activity (pdf)
Web Site Info Search: Why Exercise? (pdf)
Group Activities during "The Visit" Middle School Version
Effects of Exercise (pdf) 		High School Version
Effects of Exercise (pdf)
Cardiovascular System (pdf)
Muscle Contractions (pdf)
Lung Respiration (pdf)
Career Resources "Physiology: The Science of Life"
a customizable PowerPoint Presentation
(feel free to mix and match slides as appropriate for your audience)
Middle School Version
Read first! Presentation Notes (pdf)		 High School Version
Read first! Presentation Notes (pdf)
Careers in Physiology for Elementary Students Careers in Physiology for Middle/High School Students
Internet Resources
Planning for Physiology Understanding (PhUn) Week
APS Members: Initiate contacts with K-12 science teachers in your local area who might be interested in PhUn Week or perhaps even your own child’s science teacher (especially at back-to-school nights!), and save a day or two in November!  
to access a step-by-step guide of suggestions for developing your PhUn Week program

Research Teachers: Initiate contacts with APS researchers who might be interested in PhUn Week in your local area…perhaps even your own Research Host, and save a week in November!
 to access a step-by-step guide of suggestions for developing your PhUn Week program
APS Members and Research Teachers:
  1. Send your name and email address to: phunweek@the-aps.org
    if you wish to be notified of updates on this webpage.
  2. Once a partnership has been established, please RSVP by email to:
    phunweek@the-aps.org
    by October 16 to ensure a supply of PhUn Week promotional items for the students.
  3. Fax/email your completed PhUn Week Planner < pdf | doc>to the APS Education Office by October 16th.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we have to plan for exactly November 6th - 10th?
A: Whatever dates are most convenient for you and the teacher in the month of November. Heck, if it can't be logistically be done in November, reach out whenever you are able to during the school year!
Q: How many days does a physiologist/team need to visit?
A: At least once as part of the teacher's days or week of instruction on physiology.
Q: Can a research team bring animal research models into the classroom?
A: Be wary! Ensure that you follow your institution's IACUC protocols, as well as the school's policy, and be sensitive to those with allergies or issues with animal rights.
Q: Does a PhUn activity have to be done by the teacher every day for a whole week?
A: Ideally, yes...but, in reality, no. Try for at least 3 out of 5 days in the week.
Q: Can a physiologist invite a class to visit his/her laboratory?
A: What a great idea! This would be a good follow-up activity for near the end of the school year and it's field trip season. However, be aware of your institution's policy on visitors/school groups in research labs. Also, be aware that this requires a lot of lead time and planning with the teacher for permission slips and school bus arrangements.
Q: What more can an APS Member do to reach out to science teachers in the local area?
A: Consider establishing a Local Outreach Team: http://www.the-aps.org/education/lot/index.htm