You Are What You Eat
Art education prepares students to function as responsible citizens and helps them understand the importance of understanding important social issues. The arts can be used to help build strong communities by educating the public about important social issues. Art education prepares students to be able to use their research and artwork to educate the public about planning for a healthy future, “Preparing our students, as well as us, to participate in this way of life requires that citizenship be taken seriously” (Blandy, 2011, p. 252).
Students will consider the decisions they make concerning the foods they eat and how those decisions will impact their future. They will learn about the rise in obesity in this country, “The health problems dominating the early part of this century have been replaced by a new morbidity—diseases brought on by our living habits. Like other industrialized countries, we now have high rates of heart disease, cancer, strokes, and obesity. Nearly 60 million American adults between the ages of 20 and 75 years—1 in 3—are obese” (Smith, 1999, p. 3). This disease appears to be growing into a more serious issue concerning this country, “We have learned also that obesity, however defined, is a worsening public health problem in the United States, since about 35 percent of adults and 27 percent of children recently were found to have body mass indices equaling or exceeding the 85th age and sex specific reference standard percentile” (Smith, 1999, p. 32). It is necessary to educate students about the nutritional value of the food they consume to, “Public awareness about food choices is necessary for the nation to begin to make necessary changes, Escalating population levels of obesity place even greater importance on our understanding of the processes that govern food intake and eating behavior” (Kopelman & Stock, 1998, p. 107). Students are living in a society where eating healthy can be a challenge, “Today, palatable and affordable food is readily available to the majority of the population 24 hours a day in supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, and all-night convenience stores. Having more food and more food choices can lead people to eat more”(Smolin, 2010, p. 13). If educated about nutrition properly, students will be able to make better nutritional choices and serve as responsible citizens by educating others, “For the nation as a whole, it will require efforts from public health programs, medical professionals, food manufacturers, communities, businesses, and schools in order to change our environment and lifestyle so they are less conducive to weight gain” (Smolin, 20110, p. 17).
This unit will begin with students watching the documentary film, “Forks Over Knives”. This documentary will help students become aware of making healthy food decisions and the impact these decisions will have on their future. Students will document their thoughts and draw sketches during the documentary. These notes and sketches will help them develop their views and create responsive artwork. After the class has finished the film they will have a discussion about their views concerning the issues addressed in the film.
After students have a better grasp on the importance of food nutrition and the importance of the choices they make, they will begin to conduct their own research. Students will spend several class periods researching obesity. Students will document their research in their sketchbooks. Their research will help them become more familiar with the consequences they may face as a result of poor decisions. In their research they will find out more about obesity, the causes, and how it can be prevented or treated. Students will work in small groups to share their research with the class in a short film or power point presentation.
Students will conduct more research in an effort to help them learn about what they are eating, how it benefits their health, and where it actually comes from. The students will be provided with a variety of produce selections to choose from to research. Students will have several class periods to research their selected fruit or vegetable. Students will be asked to consider the origination and nutritional benefits of their fruit or vegetable. They will continue to take notes and draw sketches in their sketchbooks documenting their findings. Their research will help them create art to educate their classmates and the community about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. After they have finished their research they will create a piece of artwork of their fruit or vegetable. They will display their artwork and notes about the nutritional values of their respected fruit or vegetable. The class will sketch and take notes while viewing each other’s artwork.
It is important for students to have a realistic understanding of where their food originates. In urban areas it is especially easy for students to be unclear about how their food is grown and where their food originates. Field gleaning programs partners with local farmers to bring fresh produce to food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile farmer’s markets that serve low-income families. These organizations strive to help low income communities practice healthy eating habits. Students will go on a field trip to glean crops with a local nonprofit organization. They will use their sketchbooks to document their experiences on their trip.
Students will read Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (illustrations by Maira Kalman). After they have finished reading the class will collaboratively develop their own list of food rules. Each student will identify the rule that they find most important. They will create a piece of artwork to illustrate the rule. Students will combine their illustrations to create a booklet to be distributed in their school and community to promote public awareness about healthy eating decisions.
In conclusion students will orchestrate a community viewing of the documentary “Forks Over Knives” at their school. Students will create posters to display around their school and in the community to advertise the event. Students will introduce the audience to the film and share what they have learned from their experiences. Student artwork and sketchbooks will be on display for viewing after the film. They will distribute their food rule booklets to their guests as they exit.
Through this unit students will learn the importance of being aware of the decisions they make and how their decisions will impact their future. They will understand the importance of knowing what they are eating, where their food comes from and how their decisions will impact their future. They will become aware of how their art can be used as a tool to educate the public. Students will understand how they can function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues.
References
Blandy, D. (2011). Sustainability, participatory culture, and the performance of democracy: Ascendant sites of theory and practice in art education. Studies in Art Education, 52(3), 243-255.
Kopelman, P. G., & Stock, M. J. (1998). Clinical Obesity. Oxford: Blackwell Science.
Smith, J. (1999). Understanding Childhood Obesity. Jackson, Miss: University Press of Mississippi.
Smolin, L. A., & Grosvenor, M. B. (2010). Nutrition and Weight Management. New York: Chelsea House.
Introduction
This unit will help students learn the importance of being aware of the decisions they make and how their decisions will impact their future. Students will be educated about the nutritional value of the foods they eat, how their food is grown, and how poor eating decisions can lead to bad health. Students will understand how they can function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues. They will become aware of how their art can be used as a tool to educate the public. Students will watch the documentary "Forks Over Knives," research obesity, research the nutritional value of a variety fruits and vegetables, produce a sketchbook and a watercolor sketch, participate in a gleaning field trip, and help to organize a public event to promote healthy eating.
Grade Level
Grades 6-8
Essential Questions
How do students effectively educate the public about important social issues?
How do students use their research to form their own opinions?
How can students effectively use the art they create as a tool to educate their audience?
Desired Results
Students will understand how to use research to form their opinions about social issues.
Students will utilize their research to create artwork that effectively portrays their opinions about important social issues.
Students will be able to function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues.
Introduction
This unit will help students learn the importance of being aware of the decisions they make and how their decisions will impact their future. Students will be educated about the nutritional value of the foods they eat, how their food is grown, and how poor eating decisions can lead to bad health. Students will understand how they can function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues. They will become aware of how their art can be used as a tool to educate the public. Students will watch the documentary "Forks Over Knives," research obesity, research the nutritional value of a variety fruits and vegetables, produce a sketchbook and a watercolor sketch, participate in a gleaning field trip, and help to organize a public event to promote healthy eating.
Grade Level
Grades 6-8
Essential Questions
How do students effectively educate the public about important social issues?
How do students use their research to form their own opinions?
How can students effectively use the art they create as a tool to educate their audience?
Desired Results
Students will understand how to use research to form their opinions about social issues.
Students will utilize their research to create artwork that effectively portrays their opinions about important social issues.
Students will be able to function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues.
Watch
"Forks Over Knives"
Class Discussion
Students will watch the documentary “Forks Over Knives”. This documentary will help students become aware of making healthy food decisions and the impact these decisions will have on their future. Students will document their thoughts and draw sketches during the documentary. These notes and sketches will help them develop their views and create responsive artwork. After the class has finished the film they will have a discussion about their views concerning the issues addressed in the film.
Discussion Questions
How can an unhealthy diet effect your future?
What are the benefits of a healthy diet?
What problems does our nation face as a result of our society making bad choices about their diet?
What can you do to educate others about what you have learned from watching this movie?
What changes do you need to make in your own diet?
resource
http://www.forksoverknives.com
Research:
Obesity
Students will spend several class periods researching obesity. Students will document their research in their sketchbooks. Their research will help them become more familiar with the consequences they may face as a result of poor decisions. In their research they will find out more about obesity, the causes, and how it can be prevented or treated. Students will work in small groups to share their research with the class in a short film or power point presentation.
Resources for research
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/basics/definition/con-20014834
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCORDl4bqDEhttp://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/obesityEpidemic/index.html
Fruits and Vegetables
Students will research to help them learn about what they are eating, how it benefits their health, and where it actually comes from. The students will be provided with a variety of produce selections to choose from to research. Students will have several class periods to research their selected fruit or vegetable. Students will be asked to consider the origination and nutritional benefits of their fruit or vegetable. They will continue to take notes and draw sketches in their sketchbooks documenting their findings. Their research will help them create art to educate their classmates and the community about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. After they have finished their research they will create a piece of artwork of their fruit or vegetable. They can use watercolor, color pencil, collage or mixed media to create their work. They will display their artwork and notes about the nutritional values of their respected fruit or vegetable. The class will sketch and take notes while viewing each other’s artwork.
Resource for research
http://panen.org
http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Page-Encyclopedia
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/vegetable-nutrition.html
http://www.theproduceguide.com
http://www.pinterest.com/hunterrion/fruit-and-vegetable-botanical-prints/
Food Rules
Students will read Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (illustrations by Maira Kalman). The class will spend one class period looking at Pollan and Kalman's websites to learn more about the author and illustrator. They will take notes and sketch while reading the book. After they have finished reading the class will collaboratively develop their own list of food rules. Each student will identify the rule that they find most important. They will create a piece of artwork to illustrate the rule.The artwork will be created using watercolor paint. Students will combine their illustrations to create a booklet. Color copies will be made and the students will help assemble the pages and staple the booklets. Their booklets will be distributed in their school and community to promote public awareness about healthy eating decisions.
Resources for research
http://michaelpollan.com
http://www.mairakalman.com
Field Trip
Field gleaning programs partners with local farmers to bring fresh produce to food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile farmer’s markets that serve low-income families. These organizations strive to help low income communities practice healthy eating habits. Students will go on a field trip to glean crops with a local nonprofit organization. They will use their sketchbooks to document their experiences on their trip.
Resource
http://foodshuttle.org/we-feed/how-do-we-get-our-food/field-gleaning/
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/video/2014/mar/28/gleaning-network-unwanted-food-waste-video
http://vimeo.com/55534709
Public Awareness
Students will orchestrate a community viewing of the documentary “Forks Over Knives” at their school. Students will create posters to display around their school and in the community to advertise the event. Students will introduce the audience to the film and share what they have learned from their experiences. Student artwork and sketchbooks will be on display for viewing after the film. They will distribute their food rule booklets to their guests as they exit.
Resources
Watch
http://www.forksoverknives.com
Research and Create
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/basics/definition/con-20014834
http://panen.orghttp://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/obesityEpidemic/index.html
http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Page-Encyclopedia
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/vegetable-nutrition.html
http://www.theproduceguide.comhttp://www.pinterest.com/hunterrion/fruit-and-vegetable-botanical-prints/
http://michaelpollan.com
http://www.mairakalman.com
Field Trip
http://foodshuttle.org/we-feed/how-do-we-get-our-food/field-gleaning/
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/video/2014/mar/28/gleaning-network-unwanted-food-waste-video
http://vimeo.com/55534709
Students will consider the decisions they make concerning the foods they eat and how those decisions will impact their future. They will learn about the rise in obesity in this country, “The health problems dominating the early part of this century have been replaced by a new morbidity—diseases brought on by our living habits. Like other industrialized countries, we now have high rates of heart disease, cancer, strokes, and obesity. Nearly 60 million American adults between the ages of 20 and 75 years—1 in 3—are obese” (Smith, 1999, p. 3). This disease appears to be growing into a more serious issue concerning this country, “We have learned also that obesity, however defined, is a worsening public health problem in the United States, since about 35 percent of adults and 27 percent of children recently were found to have body mass indices equaling or exceeding the 85th age and sex specific reference standard percentile” (Smith, 1999, p. 32). It is necessary to educate students about the nutritional value of the food they consume to, “Public awareness about food choices is necessary for the nation to begin to make necessary changes, Escalating population levels of obesity place even greater importance on our understanding of the processes that govern food intake and eating behavior” (Kopelman & Stock, 1998, p. 107). Students are living in a society where eating healthy can be a challenge, “Today, palatable and affordable food is readily available to the majority of the population 24 hours a day in supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, and all-night convenience stores. Having more food and more food choices can lead people to eat more”(Smolin, 2010, p. 13). If educated about nutrition properly, students will be able to make better nutritional choices and serve as responsible citizens by educating others, “For the nation as a whole, it will require efforts from public health programs, medical professionals, food manufacturers, communities, businesses, and schools in order to change our environment and lifestyle so they are less conducive to weight gain” (Smolin, 20110, p. 17).
This unit will begin with students watching the documentary film, “Forks Over Knives”. This documentary will help students become aware of making healthy food decisions and the impact these decisions will have on their future. Students will document their thoughts and draw sketches during the documentary. These notes and sketches will help them develop their views and create responsive artwork. After the class has finished the film they will have a discussion about their views concerning the issues addressed in the film.
After students have a better grasp on the importance of food nutrition and the importance of the choices they make, they will begin to conduct their own research. Students will spend several class periods researching obesity. Students will document their research in their sketchbooks. Their research will help them become more familiar with the consequences they may face as a result of poor decisions. In their research they will find out more about obesity, the causes, and how it can be prevented or treated. Students will work in small groups to share their research with the class in a short film or power point presentation.
Students will conduct more research in an effort to help them learn about what they are eating, how it benefits their health, and where it actually comes from. The students will be provided with a variety of produce selections to choose from to research. Students will have several class periods to research their selected fruit or vegetable. Students will be asked to consider the origination and nutritional benefits of their fruit or vegetable. They will continue to take notes and draw sketches in their sketchbooks documenting their findings. Their research will help them create art to educate their classmates and the community about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. After they have finished their research they will create a piece of artwork of their fruit or vegetable. They will display their artwork and notes about the nutritional values of their respected fruit or vegetable. The class will sketch and take notes while viewing each other’s artwork.
It is important for students to have a realistic understanding of where their food originates. In urban areas it is especially easy for students to be unclear about how their food is grown and where their food originates. Field gleaning programs partners with local farmers to bring fresh produce to food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile farmer’s markets that serve low-income families. These organizations strive to help low income communities practice healthy eating habits. Students will go on a field trip to glean crops with a local nonprofit organization. They will use their sketchbooks to document their experiences on their trip.
Students will read Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (illustrations by Maira Kalman). After they have finished reading the class will collaboratively develop their own list of food rules. Each student will identify the rule that they find most important. They will create a piece of artwork to illustrate the rule. Students will combine their illustrations to create a booklet to be distributed in their school and community to promote public awareness about healthy eating decisions.
In conclusion students will orchestrate a community viewing of the documentary “Forks Over Knives” at their school. Students will create posters to display around their school and in the community to advertise the event. Students will introduce the audience to the film and share what they have learned from their experiences. Student artwork and sketchbooks will be on display for viewing after the film. They will distribute their food rule booklets to their guests as they exit.
Through this unit students will learn the importance of being aware of the decisions they make and how their decisions will impact their future. They will understand the importance of knowing what they are eating, where their food comes from and how their decisions will impact their future. They will become aware of how their art can be used as a tool to educate the public. Students will understand how they can function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues.
References
Blandy, D. (2011). Sustainability, participatory culture, and the performance of democracy: Ascendant sites of theory and practice in art education. Studies in Art Education, 52(3), 243-255.
Kopelman, P. G., & Stock, M. J. (1998). Clinical Obesity. Oxford: Blackwell Science.
Smith, J. (1999). Understanding Childhood Obesity. Jackson, Miss: University Press of Mississippi.
Smolin, L. A., & Grosvenor, M. B. (2010). Nutrition and Weight Management. New York: Chelsea House.
Introduction
This unit will help students learn the importance of being aware of the decisions they make and how their decisions will impact their future. Students will be educated about the nutritional value of the foods they eat, how their food is grown, and how poor eating decisions can lead to bad health. Students will understand how they can function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues. They will become aware of how their art can be used as a tool to educate the public. Students will watch the documentary "Forks Over Knives," research obesity, research the nutritional value of a variety fruits and vegetables, produce a sketchbook and a watercolor sketch, participate in a gleaning field trip, and help to organize a public event to promote healthy eating.
Grade Level
Grades 6-8
Essential Questions
How do students effectively educate the public about important social issues?
How do students use their research to form their own opinions?
How can students effectively use the art they create as a tool to educate their audience?
Desired Results
Students will understand how to use research to form their opinions about social issues.
Students will utilize their research to create artwork that effectively portrays their opinions about important social issues.
Students will be able to function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues.
Introduction
This unit will help students learn the importance of being aware of the decisions they make and how their decisions will impact their future. Students will be educated about the nutritional value of the foods they eat, how their food is grown, and how poor eating decisions can lead to bad health. Students will understand how they can function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues. They will become aware of how their art can be used as a tool to educate the public. Students will watch the documentary "Forks Over Knives," research obesity, research the nutritional value of a variety fruits and vegetables, produce a sketchbook and a watercolor sketch, participate in a gleaning field trip, and help to organize a public event to promote healthy eating.
Grade Level
Grades 6-8
Essential Questions
How do students effectively educate the public about important social issues?
How do students use their research to form their own opinions?
How can students effectively use the art they create as a tool to educate their audience?
Desired Results
Students will understand how to use research to form their opinions about social issues.
Students will utilize their research to create artwork that effectively portrays their opinions about important social issues.
Students will be able to function as responsible citizens to educate the public about important social issues.
Watch
"Forks Over Knives"
Class Discussion
Students will watch the documentary “Forks Over Knives”. This documentary will help students become aware of making healthy food decisions and the impact these decisions will have on their future. Students will document their thoughts and draw sketches during the documentary. These notes and sketches will help them develop their views and create responsive artwork. After the class has finished the film they will have a discussion about their views concerning the issues addressed in the film.
Discussion Questions
How can an unhealthy diet effect your future?
What are the benefits of a healthy diet?
What problems does our nation face as a result of our society making bad choices about their diet?
What can you do to educate others about what you have learned from watching this movie?
What changes do you need to make in your own diet?
resource
http://www.forksoverknives.com
Research:
Obesity
Students will spend several class periods researching obesity. Students will document their research in their sketchbooks. Their research will help them become more familiar with the consequences they may face as a result of poor decisions. In their research they will find out more about obesity, the causes, and how it can be prevented or treated. Students will work in small groups to share their research with the class in a short film or power point presentation.
Resources for research
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/basics/definition/con-20014834
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCORDl4bqDEhttp://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/obesityEpidemic/index.html
Fruits and Vegetables
Students will research to help them learn about what they are eating, how it benefits their health, and where it actually comes from. The students will be provided with a variety of produce selections to choose from to research. Students will have several class periods to research their selected fruit or vegetable. Students will be asked to consider the origination and nutritional benefits of their fruit or vegetable. They will continue to take notes and draw sketches in their sketchbooks documenting their findings. Their research will help them create art to educate their classmates and the community about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. After they have finished their research they will create a piece of artwork of their fruit or vegetable. They can use watercolor, color pencil, collage or mixed media to create their work. They will display their artwork and notes about the nutritional values of their respected fruit or vegetable. The class will sketch and take notes while viewing each other’s artwork.
Resource for research
http://panen.org
http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Page-Encyclopedia
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/vegetable-nutrition.html
http://www.theproduceguide.com
http://www.pinterest.com/hunterrion/fruit-and-vegetable-botanical-prints/
Food Rules
Students will read Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (illustrations by Maira Kalman). The class will spend one class period looking at Pollan and Kalman's websites to learn more about the author and illustrator. They will take notes and sketch while reading the book. After they have finished reading the class will collaboratively develop their own list of food rules. Each student will identify the rule that they find most important. They will create a piece of artwork to illustrate the rule.The artwork will be created using watercolor paint. Students will combine their illustrations to create a booklet. Color copies will be made and the students will help assemble the pages and staple the booklets. Their booklets will be distributed in their school and community to promote public awareness about healthy eating decisions.
Resources for research
http://michaelpollan.com
http://www.mairakalman.com
Field Trip
Field gleaning programs partners with local farmers to bring fresh produce to food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile farmer’s markets that serve low-income families. These organizations strive to help low income communities practice healthy eating habits. Students will go on a field trip to glean crops with a local nonprofit organization. They will use their sketchbooks to document their experiences on their trip.
Resource
http://foodshuttle.org/we-feed/how-do-we-get-our-food/field-gleaning/
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/video/2014/mar/28/gleaning-network-unwanted-food-waste-video
http://vimeo.com/55534709
Public Awareness
Students will orchestrate a community viewing of the documentary “Forks Over Knives” at their school. Students will create posters to display around their school and in the community to advertise the event. Students will introduce the audience to the film and share what they have learned from their experiences. Student artwork and sketchbooks will be on display for viewing after the film. They will distribute their food rule booklets to their guests as they exit.
Resources
Watch
http://www.forksoverknives.com
Research and Create
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/basics/definition/con-20014834
http://panen.orghttp://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/obesityEpidemic/index.html
http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Page-Encyclopedia
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/vegetable-nutrition.html
http://www.theproduceguide.comhttp://www.pinterest.com/hunterrion/fruit-and-vegetable-botanical-prints/
http://michaelpollan.com
http://www.mairakalman.com
Field Trip
http://foodshuttle.org/we-feed/how-do-we-get-our-food/field-gleaning/
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/video/2014/mar/28/gleaning-network-unwanted-food-waste-video
http://vimeo.com/55534709