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URochester Medicine / EHSC / Community Engagement Core / Community Projects and Partnerships / Community Environmental Health Science (CEH) Kits

Community Environmental Health (CEH) Kits

Community Environmental Health (CEH) Kits

The kits: These kits were developed in partnership with Science Take-Out and three other environmental health community engagement programs from across the country.

Each CEH kit includes the following materials:

  • Participant guide for the kit.  The kit instructions are graphically rich, based on realistic stories, integrate hands-on activities, and involve limited reading.
  • Kit bag containing all supplies required for the kit activities.  Supplies are low cost and reusable (or easily replenished).
  • Presenter guide that lists core concepts developed through the kit activities.  The presenter guide also includes background information and suggestions for group discussions related to actions that could be taken to address environmental health hazards.

Kit Title

Core Concepts

Kit Activities

A Healthy Home? (STO-CEH1)

  • Hazardous substances in homes may create unhealthy environments.
  • Actions should be taken to reduce exposures to potentially hazardous substances.
  • Analyze simulated tests for carbon monoxide, radon, mold, and lead.
  • Explore how residents can reduce their exposure to hazardous substances.

Testing Blood for Lead (STO-CEH2)

  • Blood testing is necessary to identify lead poisoning.
  • Even very low levels of lead can affect young children’s brain development.
  • Conduct and analyze simulated blood tests to determine a child’s blood lead level.
  • Interpret readings and charts to learn that even very low levels of lead in blood can be dangerous.

Preventing Lead Poisoning (STO-CEH3)

  • Exposure to lead may come from many sources.
  • Actions should be taken to reduce exposure to lead.
  • Test simulated samples of items from a child’s home for lead.
  • Identify other sources of lead exposure.
  • Identify ways to prevent/reduce lead exposure.

Safe City Water? (STO-CEH4)

  • Water from a public water supply can become contaminated by lead as it flows from a water treatment plant to faucets.
  • People can take action to reduce their exposure to lead in drinking water.
  • Test simulated water samples from a home and a day care center for lead.
  • Identify health risks associated with lead in drinking water.
  • Learn about ways to reduce lead exposure from tap water.

Safe Well Water? (STO-CEH5)

  • Contaminated water from private wells can cause health problems.
  • Private well water should be tested regularly.
  • Test a simulated water sample from a family’s well.
  • Identify health risks and sources of contamination associated well water.

Pesticide Safety (STO-CEH6)

  • Pesticides sold to consumers are not safe unless they are used according to the label directions.
  • Consumers should be aware of potential health problems that may result from pesticide use.
  • Conduct simulated urine tests to identify the presence of pesticides in a mother and her baby.
  • Interpret the information in a pesticide label to determine safe use practices.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors (STO-CEH7)

  • An individual’s risk of developing breast cancer is influenced by specific genes, lifestyle choices, hormonal factors, and environmental exposures over their lifetime.
  • Conduct simulated genetic tests for a BRCA1 gene mutation.
  • Analyze a family history for breast cancer.
  • Analyze information from a Breast Cancer Risks infographic.

Skin Cancer and Sun Safety (STO-CEH8)

  • UV (ultraviolet) radiation is the main environmental risk factor for skin cancer.
  • There are many ways to reduce exposure to UV radiation.
  • Use the “ABCDE” characteristics of skin cancer to determine whether a young woman should have a doctor check an unusual mole.
  • Use photosensitive UV beads and sun safety pictures to explore ways to prevent UV radiation exposure.


You can get more information about the kits and how to order them from the Science Take-Out Community Environmental Health kits page.

The project: Science Take-Out received funding in 2014 from a NIEHS small business grant (R41ES023706) to develop eight classroom environmental health science kits for middle- and high-school teacher use. Starting in 2017, a second NIEHS small business grant (R42ES023706) supported adapting these kits for use in a range of community settings. 

The partners:

Science Take-Out partnered with the CEC and three other community engagement programs to provide feedback on the kits and to pilot test the kits in a range of community settings.

Tips for using the kits:

  • Read the presenter guide! Each kit includes a presenter guide (example presenter guide) to help plan use of the kits. The Presenter guide also includes background information and suggestions for group discussions.
  • Let them go! Many presenters find it best to simply hand out kits to pairs of participants and let them work independently, then follow up with a discussion. 
  • Encourage discussion! The idea of working in pairs is to get people talking, interacting and asking questions. 
  • Add local information! These kits are meant to add interaction and inquiry to existing programs.  Each kit includes resources for more background information on the topic. You may also wish to contact local, state health, or environmental agencies to learn about relevant local resources.
  • Adapt to your audience! Some groups may prefer that the presenter read the stories and kit instructions out loud as they work through the kit activities. Other groups may prefer to start with a brief  introductory presentation before doing the kits.