Houston, kids have a problem. Obesity and cholesterol levels in youngsters are skyrocketing to stratospheric heights.
Fortunately, nutritional strategies are in orbit to curb such unhealthy trends.
A supplement entitled “Food and Fitness,” one of three educational guides for teachers produced by Baylor College of Medicine for the NSBRI, teaches middle school students about the importance of nutrition and exercise using intergalactic themes.
Middle schools still need help in teaching students about nutrition,” said Dr. Nancy Moreno, a member of NSBRI's education and outreach team. “The space theme works really well because it runs throughout our popular culture.”
The guide’s lesson plans use astronauts’ diets and physical regimens to pique student interest. Inquiry activities help kids learn the basics of understanding energy, measuring calories, and calculating proper food intake based on their height and weight.
This particular topic is a great way to start the school year because it has the potential to make students aware of what they’re eating and about their levels of physical activity as they start the school year,” said Moreno, associate director of BCM’s Center for Educational Outreach.
In addition to explaining the food pyramid from soup to nuts, the guide teaches kids to evaluate their physical fitness using a scientific approach. Small group collaborative activities help each student determine what kind of diet best corresponds to his or her level of physical activity.