Student Page

Are You What You Eat?

The Mission

You have a lot to live for in the new millennium. Fitness products and weight control products are a multi-billion dollar a year business. You are probably not concerned too much about your health because you are young.  However, we all know someone that we care about who is either overweight or have poor eating habits.  You also know someone who would like to improve their physical ability and/or appearance despite their age.   It may be because they want a date or they want to make the basketball team.

This project will provide you with the knowledge of the effects of diet and exercise on the human body.  You will work with a team that will research the benefits of diet and exercise.  The team will consist of a nutritionist, physical trainer, recorder, and leader.  The ultimate goal will be to develop a comprehensive fitness plan to help someone reach their fitness goals. 

The Process

Phase 1:

I will divide students into cooperative groups of four members.  Each group member will have a role.  The leader of the group will be responsible for keeping everyone on tasks.  The communicator will be responsible for communicating with the teacher and communicators in other groups.  The nutritionists will be responsible for researching information on nutrition.  The personal trainer will be responsible for researching information on exercise.  The leader will assist all group members in the completion of their tasks. 

 1.  Choose a group of four students with specific roles.

      2.  Perform a teacher assigned cyberhunt.

      3.  Answer the cyberhunt answer sheet.

      4.  Complete a KWL chart.

      5.  Conduct a preliminary internet search on fitness.

      6.  Bookmark sites that are of interest.

      7.  Conduct a more in depth internet search.

      8.  Start a word wall.

Learning Advice:

Review over group roles.  Keep records of sites that have essential information.  Add these sights to favorites on the computer.  Exchange phone numbers in case you have to share information with the group.  Maintain a concise journal of all group activities. 

Phase 2:

Phase 2 is spent planning, reading, writing, interviewing, calling, and researching information on fitness. 

1.  Review roles of each group member.

2.  Read a variety of articles on fitness.

3.  Read a variety of articles on nutrition.

4.  Watch exercise shows on television.

5.  Read books on nutrition and exercise.

6.  Analyze current health cookbooks.

7.  Find and critique existing diet plans.

8.  Examine various exercises.

9.  Call various health clubs and have them send you a brochure.

10.  Interview potential candidates who would benefit from a fitness plan.

Learning Advice:

Plan each task carefully.  Set deadlines for each task.   Your group should meet daily.  Each group member should share his/her progress with the group.  Ask for help from your group members if you are having trouble.  Remember to maintain a concise journal of all group activities.

Phase 3:

Phase 3 is spent researching, creating, charting, developing, and presenting a fitness plan for an individual.

1.  Analyze various fitness surveys.

2.  Create a fitness survey or adopt a preexisting one.

3.  Create a flyer to advertise your fitness expertise.

4.  Develop a universal fitness plan.

5.  Present your research in power point format to your class.

6.  Conduct a fitness survey with potential clients.

7.  Develop a fitness plan for an individual.

8.  Chart the progress of the individual.

9.  Evaluate the success of your fitness plan.

Learning Advice:

Use common sense when you survey and interview potential clients.  It is very easy to offend someone who is overweight or out of shape.  Make sure you involve the potential client in the decision making process of his/her individual fitness plan.  They should have at least three options for each type of exercise.  They should also have several diet options too.  You may not see any physical results in the first month.  Encourage the client to continue with the fitness plan.