Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

2010

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Lee Plourde

Second Committee Member

S. Schmitz

Third Committee Member

L. Fitch

Abstract

This project looks at obesity and undernourishment in American students. The project discusses the importance of physical education and nutrition education and the lack there of in the 21st Century. Research indicates current legislative mandates involving standardized testing and a stress on core academics, changing familial and societal structures and evolving food technology have helped lead to the obesity epidemic in the United States. The project also looks at different ethnic and socioeconomic groups and the impact nutrition and overall health plays in these groups. The project includes a nutrition curriculum that is designed to be used in a ninth grade Health course. If changes aren't made now, it is estimated the current generation in school will be the first in American history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

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