Objectives
A wealth of academic research examines the effects of nutrition on one's ability to learn. Many studies address the role of obesity and socio-economic status in academic performance while others focus on the importance of school breakfast programs as a means for jumpstarting a child's day of learning. The objectives of this curriculum unit, however, are based on quality of food consumption, exercise, and student achievement. Because many of my students come from low-income homes, they often lack access to fresh, healthy foods. It is my aim to observe and examine the effects that an introduction to making healthy food choices and an increase in physical activity through regular exercise will have on their performance in school. If I provide the students with a wealth of information about, and experience with, nutritious foods and access to daily exercise, will their achievement be enhanced?
I will address these objectives while teaching the following set of skills: Students will learn what the multiple intelligences are and why they are important. Students will be able to think critically about what they eat and will learn to make healthy food choices. Students will develop critical thinking skills as we compare and contrast the MyPyramid (formerly known as the Food Guide Pyramid) from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Harvard School of Public Health's "The New Healthy Eating Pyramid." Students will develop content area vocabulary (see Appendix), which is especially important for second language learners. Students will better understand the different "food groups" and how organizations (i.e. government, educational institutions, research foundations) not only interpret information differently and but also advise the public differently about what is "good for us." Students will be able to develop informed opinions about what foods are healthy. Students will understand that food is made up of different nutrients, including, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, proteins, water, and fiber. Students will understand the basic principles of digestion in the human body. Students will understand that food provides fuel for the human body. Students will understand how regular exercise improves body function. Students will understand and experience that eating a balanced diet and exercising can lead to better health, physically and mentally.
Therefore, through this curriculum unit, I not only aim to provide my students with the experience and knowledge that food choice and physical activity affect one's ability to succeed but also arm them with the tools necessary for eating better and exercising more.
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