Becoming a Sugar Sleuth

 

Ms. McManus JHS 62 8th Grade

EMcManus2@schools.nyc.gov

 

sugary drinks cause obesity

 

Introduction: 

Staying hydrated is important to staying healthy.  Proper hydration allows you to feel and look your best.  However, many kids just want to drink whatever tastes best to them. So, it can be hard to get kids to drink "healthy" drinks. But sometimes, the drinks you think are healthier actually have lots of sugar. Through this activity, you'll find out some of the truth behind the amounts of sugar in your favorite drinks and evaluate if they belong in our schools. The truth may change your mind about your drink choices.

 

 

Task: 

Become a sugar sleuth

Throughout this WebQuest you're going to discover how healthy your favorite drinks are and evaluate if they should be banned in school. You will work in groups of 3 to use the links below and other resources to find and answer the questions below and on the worksheets. 

Present you answers on a poster presentation that can be displayed throughout the school.

 

 

Process:

Part I Define the Problem and gather evidence

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/select.html

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/gather.html

1. Identify at least 3 effects of drinking too many sugary     drinks.

2.  Identify your 5 your favorite “healthy” drinks.

3.  Identify the suggested serving size of each drink and how many servings are in a typical bottle or container.  Provide a visual of what the correct serving size looks like.
4. How many grams of sugar are in each serving and container?

Part II.  Develop solutions

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/solutions.html

5. What are some healthy alternatives for those drinks?
6. Identify at least 3 ways to make water taste better?
7. Why is it good to drink plenty of water?

Part III-Evaluate findings and Policy

http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/existing.html

8.  Make a T-chart of drinks that are good for you, and drinks that are bad for you
9. Based on your findings, should some drinks be treated as soda and banned in school?

 

HERE ARE SOME LINKS TO HELP WITH YOUR ANSWERS

·    http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/living/cdp_pan_pop.shtml

·        http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calorie-chart-nutrition-facts

·    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/22/how-much-sugar-is-in-soda_n_1617104.html#quiz_3777-

·        http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/19/sugary-drinks-deaths-research/2001191/

·        http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/03/19/25000-us-deaths-linked-to-sugary-drinks/

·        http://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/

·        http://www.rwjf.org/en/research-publications/find-rwjf-research/2009/11/the-negative-impact-of-sugar-sweetened-beverages-on-children-s-h.html

·        http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/07/9-great-reasons-to-drink-water-and-how.html

·        http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/daily/graphics/diet_042005.html

·        http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/body/foodsmarts/article2.html

 

 

Evaluation

Assessment Rubric for Poster

 

Exemplary

Acceptable

Incomplete
Visual Presentation

Creative use of color, pictures, graphics, and text. Size and layering are purposeful and add to the overall quality of the display

The display captures the viewer’s attention but has limited use of color, pictures, graphics, and text

The display is not well developed and lacks visual appeal and organization

Content

Creative display of important, in-depth, and relevant information about healthy drinks.    Includes properly cited sources and complete information

Acceptable display of important, in-depth, and relevant information about healthy drinks.   Includes properly cited sources and adequate information

Incomplete display of important, in-depth, and relevant information about healthy drinks.  Does not include properly cited sources, and the information is incomplete

Task Completion

All questions are completely answered.  The final project was easy to follow.  Obvious substantial effort was put into the project. 

The questions are only partially completed.  The final project is moderately difficult to follow.  The complete portions evidence effort.

The project is incomplete.  It is evident that time and efforts were not put into the project.

 

 

Standards:

 

Conclusion

Now that you know the truth about your “healthy” drinks, make healthier choices when you get thirsty. Remember, actions speak louder than words.  Making better drink choices will also teach your friends and family about the healthier drink choices.