Health & Wellness Understanding Food Access Webquest

Introducing the Health & Wellness Understanding Food Access Webquest, a comprehensive educational resource designed for students in grades 6-8. This engaging webquest takes students on a captivating journey to explore the concept of food deserts and their impact on individuals and communities. Through interactive activities and reflective questions, students will gain a deep understanding of the challenges posed by limited access to fresh and healthy food.

Part 1: Understanding What a Food Desert Is Discover the captivating world of food deserts and their implications for communities. Students will read and annotate an enlightening article that breaks down the concept of food deserts. They will explore the absence of fresh, nutritious food in certain areas and how it affects individuals' overall well-being. This section is designed to engage students with relatable examples and insights into the consequences of living in a food desert.

Part 2: Food Access Reflection Questions Put your newfound knowledge to the test! Students will answer thought-provoking reflection questions based on the information they have learned. They will identify examples of foods commonly found in food deserts, summarize the main points of the article, and analyze the negative impacts of food deserts. This section encourages critical thinking and reinforces key concepts.

Part 3: Food Access Observations Activity Prepare for an eye-opening activity that takes students on a virtual exploration of food deserts in the United States. Using the USDA Food Access Research Atlas, students will observe and analyze patterns in food desert locations. They will identify regional concentrations, prevalence by community type, and any emerging patterns that catch their attention. This activity aims to deepen students' understanding of the distribution of food deserts and their potential implications for different communities.

Part 4: Food Access Extension Questions Put your knowledge to the test and get ready for class discussions! Students will answer extension questions that delve further into the complexities of food deserts. They will provide their understanding of food deserts, discuss why they are of concern for students' health and well-being, imagine the challenges of maintaining a balanced diet in a food desert, and analyze the health risks associated with limited access to fresh, nutritious food. These questions encourage critical thinking, empathy, and a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Grading Rubric The webquest includes a grading rubric that outlines the expectations for different levels of proficiency. Students who demonstrate advanced proficiency will provide thoughtful and insightful comments, provide detailed responses to all questions, accurately complete the Food Access Locator activity, make insightful observations, and thoroughly answer all extension questions with references to the article and/or Food Access Locator activity. The rubric also acknowledges proficient, nearing proficiency, and not proficient levels, providing clear expectations for each level.

Empower your students to become advocates for change and create healthier, more equitable communities. The Health & Wellness Understanding Food Access Webquest is an essential resource for fostering knowledge, critical thinking, and empathy among students. Let's work together to ensure that fresh, nutritious food is accessible to all!