A third grade reading level knowledge test concerning the dietary fat and cholesterol level of foods and the role of these substances in the development of coronary heart disease was administered to 1,242 third grade students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Utilizing the results of this test a 10 lesson heart healthy curriculum was developed; the purpose of the curriculum was to increase the children's knowledge concerning foods that contain dietary fat and cholesterol and to guide the students towards healthier food choices. Following a training session for the third grade teachers the curriculum was implemented in the classroom. Results of the knowledge test given as a post test found that the children's basic knowledge concerning the dietary fat and cholesterol content of food increased significantly (p<.05 for total score possible) four weeks after completion of the curriculum. In addition, the children made healthier food choices from a menu designed to contrast foods high in cholesterol and fat with foods lower in cholesterol and fat following the curriculum intervention. The same menu had been used prior to the intervention.