Reducing Obesity in the

United States

Mrs. Stout

West Middle School

stouts@binghamtonschools.org

Introduction:

You are a nutrition expert in charge of reducing obesity in the United States. You will inform others about how to eat a healthier diet and create a public policy that will reduce obesity in the United States.

During the past 20 years, there has been an increase in the number of overweight and obese people in the United States. Today 2 out of 3 Americans are overweight or obese. Overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults. Being overweight can lead to low self-esteem, depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death.

Eating an unhealthy diet and not getting enough exercise are the main causes of weight gain and obesity.

Task:

You will be creating and presenting a PowerPoint. Your power point needs to include the following:

· 3 reasons why obesity is a problem in the United States

· 2 causes of obesity in the United States

· 5 tips for healthier eating habits

· 1 policy that could be created to encourage others to eat a healthier diet and reduce obesity in the United States

· Introduction slide – project title & picture

· Conclusion slide – 2 resources, names, class period

· The PowerPoint presentation should have at least 13 slides

· Each slide should have correctly spelled text and appropriate pictures

Process:

1. You will be working in teacher assigned pairs.

2. Mrs. Stout will explain how to use the Public Policy Analyst Model.

3. Working with your partner, complete the 6 steps of the Public Policy Analyst Model. This model will help you create a policy to help people eat healthier and reduce obesity in the United States. Complete the 6 Public Policy Analyst Model worksheets. Use the resources below to assist you.

· Step 1: Define the Problem

· Step 2: Gather Evidence

· Step 3: Identify Causes

· Step 4: Evaluate a Policy

· Step 5: Develop Solutions

· Step 6: Select Best Solution

3. Show all 6 worksheets to Mrs. Stout for approval BEFORE starting to create the PowerPoint presentation.

4. Use your weight management & goal setting packet, public policy worksheets and the internet resources listed below to create your PowerPoint presentation.

Resources:

Steps 1, 2, & 3

· http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/obesity_in_children_and_teens

· http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/

· http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/

Step 4

· http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MIH/MainPage.aspx

· http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/summer07/articles/summer07pg26-27.html

· http://www.heartland.org/policybot/results/20616/What_Should_Government_Do_to_Reduce_Obesity.html

Eating Healthy

· http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium/

· http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/

· http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/eat-right/limit-fat-sugar.htm

· http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/calcium.html

· http://buildhealthykids.com/take12sugarydrinks.html

Evaluation

PowerPoint Grading Rubric

Criteria	Excellent (20 Points)	Good (15 Points)	Fair (10 Points)	Needs Work (5 Points)
Power Point * Intro Slide – Title & Picture * Conclusion Slide – 2 Resources, Names & Class Period * Font / Text Easy to Read * No Text Errors (Accurate Spelling & Grammar)	All 4 Criteria	3 of the 4 Criteria	2 of the 4 Criteria	1 of the 4 Criteria
Preventing Obesity Information * 3 accurate reasons why obesity is a problem * 2 accurate causes of obesity * 1 policy that could reduce obesity	All 6 Criteria	5 of the 6 Criteria	4 of the 6 Criteria	3 of the 6 Criteria
Healthier Eating Tips	5 Accurate Tips for Eating Healthy	4 Accurate Tips for Eating Healthy	3 Accurate Tips for Eating Healthy	2 Accurate Tips for Eating Healthy
Presentation * Spoke Clearly & Loud Enough * Good Eye Contact with Audience * Each Person Equally Presented * Appropriate Pictures	All 4 Criteria	3 of the 4 Criteria	2 of the 4 Criteria	1 of the 4 Criteria
Time Management * Worked entire class period on assigned task * Cooperatively completed assigned task / did your part of the assigned task * Did not need reminders from the teacher * Did not disrupt others	All 4 Criteria	3 of the 4 Criteria	2 of the 4 Criteria	1 of the 4 Criteria

GRADE _________ / 100 POINTS

Conclusion

After completing this web quest, you will understand the consequences of obesity, causes of obesity and how to eat a healthier diet. In addition, you will understand the public policy analysis model and how it can be used to reduce obesity in the United States.

Standards:

Health Education

Standard 1: Personal Health and Fitness

Students will have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity and maintain personal health.

Standard 2: A Safe and Health Environment

Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Standard 3: Resource Management

Students will understand and be able to manage their personal and community resources.

English Language Arts

Standard 1: Students will read, write, listen and speak for information and understanding.

Standard 3: Students will read, write, listen and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.

Technology

Standard 5: Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.