15-18 yrs

Overview

Learners use Wikipedia to research nutritional value, quality, composition, storage, etc of foods that are usually present in a healthy, balanced diet by relating the demand for calories according to physical and mental exhersion in humans.

The students will use the internet to investigate the relationship between BMI, health and diet. You may also wish to invite experts to speak to the group via Skype. The results could be published in a class or individual blog or wiki.

Description:

In groups, learners start searching for data on the internet for what constitutes a healthy and balanced diet for an adult male or female. They must collect and collate data such as the recommended daily calorie intake etc. The analysis of the data collected will produce results in terms being or not complete. The same data are synthesized in tables and elaborated.

Privately, the students will start to use the data to analyse their own weight and height ratios, BMI etc. Emphasise that the data is personal and not shared. If pupils would prefer not to participate we recommend teachers give them a mock case study to use.

In our example, the school created a pool of teachers/trainers experts in the areas (mathematics chemistry, biolology and physical education, psycologist, nutritionist) to discuss the problem with learners and to find solutions. But it is possible to invite local healthcare professionals e.g. school nurse, local doctor or even parents that work in the medical/health industry in to school to speak to learners.

The unit ends with a expert nutritionist answering critical questions and provide suggestions.

If they wish, learners can record and track their weight and physical by means of podcasting, audio, video registrations etc The project could be made available on-line for other groups of students.Students can then sign up to the social network Spark People which enables them to set personal health and fitness goals.  They could use the site to keep a blog of their activities and progress or use a personal blog as a diary.  Some students may wish to publicise their achievements, others will wish to keep them private.

You could use:

Wikipedia, Mind mapping, OFFICE, Google docs, Google spreadsheet, skype, audacity, Face book, audio/video camera, DROP box, web site

Safety:

We would always emphasise the phrase ‘healthy and balanced diet’. We would not focus on being ‘overweight’ or ‘underweight’ etc. When discussing height/weight ratios we would also emphasise that it is VERY general and does not take into account musculature etc. Sensitivity is paramount when teaching units such as these.