Researching Current Topics in Nutrition and Health
Amy Joy, Professor
Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology
Applications for Spring 2024 are closed for this project.
This project researches current topics in nutrition and health for my undergraduate class ("Eating Green: The science behind the grassroots food movement"). My class is a small-group class that uses a discussion format to cover a range of controversial questions (eg. Are organic foods better?). Currently teaching this class on zoom, I use many different formats to maintain interest and enthusiasm for good health. I am in the process of updating topics with current research. I am seeking 2 students to assist in identifying new and creative resources to use (video clips and short articles) on a range of current nutrition and health topics. Some topics include: Bioengineered food; organic food; pesticides in food; food safety; keeping a food journal; the industrialization of our food supply; how to select a healthy, low-cost diet, etc.
Role: Learning outcomes: This project has the following learning objectives:
(1) URAP students will learn how to create content for a zoom class;
(2) URAP students will learn how to evaluate subject content;
(3) URAP students will learn ways to encourage classroom discussion;
(4) URAP students will learn scientifically-based information about nutrition and health which can be applied to their own dietary well-being.
At our first meeting, I will present a brief classroom experience so that the URAP students can see how I use material to create discussion. Each week, we will tackle together a topic to research. I will provide the background information so that the students have an understanding of the topic that needs to be researched. We will also create a check-list of criteria to evaluate a video clip both for factual information and for creative interest.
Tasks:
(1) Create a check-list of evaluation criteria for video clip selection;
(2) Find 2 to 3 examples of video clips for the topic;
(3) Present the video clips on zoom so that the group can discuss the information presented in the clip;
(4) Evaluate whether or not the video clip is a useful addition to the topic.
(5) Add the clip to the bCourse to check whether or not it can be used for teaching purposes.
Qualifications: Students should be able to attend weekly zoom meetings. The ideal candidate is someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, enjoys networking with others, and is interested in discussing current and controversial health and nutrition topics. Although the subject-matter covered in this project is in the field of nutrition and health, students who are in other fields are welcome to apply as they can make important contributions to this research.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Amy Block Joy
Hours: 3-5 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: We will be working using zoom for this project.
Social Sciences Education, Cognition & Psychology