Lesson One - What is lead?
Objectives: At the end of this lesson students will be able to:
•	Discuss what lead poisoning is.
•	Identify one to two possible lead hazards
Suggested Materials:
•	Coloring sheet of window with chipped paint
•	Crayons/markers

Activity 1: Discuss what lead is and where it can be found. 
Information on lead can be found in “Lead 101” at www.mass.gov/dph/environmental _health   Click on the link “Teachers Resource” and then click on “Lead”. 
Time: 15 minutes
Procedure: Sit children in a circle to view the Sesame Street Video and have a discussion about lead.
Additional activity: Have children view the Sesame Street Video found at http://www.sesameworkshop.org/initiatives/health/lead.	

Activity 2: Coloring/Pasting Activity
Time: 20 minutes
Procedure: Students will be identifying lead paint chips by coloring them silver to denote metal. Optional activity could be coloring sheet of paper with a silver crayon, cutting/pasting small pieces of paper onto an illustration of a paint can. This activity will help students make the connection of lead in paint.	

Activity 3: Evaluation

Time: 5 Minutes

Procedure: Facilitator will review material with a question and answer period.
Question: What is lead?
Answer: Lead is a metal.
Question: How do we tell if there is lead in our body?
Answer: Go to the doctor and get a lead test.
Question: Where might we find lead in our home? 
Answer: In painted surfaces such as windowsills and panes and casings of windows and doors.
Question: How do we minimize our exposure to lead?
Answer: Wash our hands often and before eating.	

Parent Sample Letter
Dear Parent/Caregiver:
Your Child has been learning about sources of lead around the home. Lead is a toxic metal found in older paint and is harmful if ingested. We talked about places where lead is commonly found. We stressed the importance of proper hand washing as one way to help reduce the risk of lead exposure. Ask your child to tell you about the lesson. He/She should be able to tell you where lead is found and how to avoid getting poisoned by lead. This is a good time for you and your child to inspect your home to make sure it is lead safe.
Sincerely,

Facts:
•	Lead is a dangerous poison. 
•	All children should have a blood lead test at ages 1, 2, 3 and sometimes 4. 
•	Other children up to 6 years of age should be tested if their doctors think they are at risk.
•	Children are often poisoned from normal hand to mouth behavior and exposure to lead dust.
•	Wet mopping and damp dusting the home two times a week helps prevent lead poisoning.
Suggested Handouts –Can be found at www.mass.gov/dph/clppp , click on “Educational Materials”
•	Protect your family. Stay ahead of Lead!
•	Understanding Lead Poisoning
•	Where does Lead Come From?