Success StoryNutrition in Science Program



Nutrition in Science Program

Author: Stacy Smith

Planning Unit: Clinton County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Covid 19 brought many challenges to people around the world, and some of those challenges were hard felt by many school districts.  With virtual classes, six-foot distancing and no common area gatherings, the 2020-2021 school year has been anything but normal.  It has, however, given us a chance to think outside the box to help reach today’s youth.   The Clinton County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the science teachers at the Clinton County Middle School to offer a twist on the traditional nutrition programs that usually occur throughout the school year.  This year, the partnership focused on Nutrition in Science.  Instead of the traditional food sampling and hands-on cooking opportunities, the lessons focused on a more scientific approach to understanding nutrition using the Professor Popcorn curriculum and a lot of food related science experiments that required not only an understanding of the scientific method but also understanding of basic nutrition information that affects their day to day lives.  The 5-lesson series was taught virtually throughout the entire 5-8th grade student body of 307 in-person students during science class.   Materials were provided for each student to conduct individual experiments that accompanied each lesson to maintain social distancing.  The lesson was also recorded and sent to the 240 virtual students as well.   Of the in-person students evaluated, over 60% of students showed growth in food safety measures such as keeping foods cold and washing fresh produce.  There was also a growth in physical activity, as well as a decline in the amount of sugary drinks consumed.






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