Online nutrition education tools capture the imagination

Solution

2Plus2 has teamed up with Dairy Council of California nutritionists and educators to create the following educational activities, using Flash to bring interest and excitement to learning about a balanced diet and the need for exercise. The tools we have created include:

• My Plate Matching Game:
Using MyPlate, the USDA’s primary food group symbol, 2Plus2 created a fun activity that teaches kids the visual cues that identify the five basic food groups and how to make healthy food choices and build a healthy plate at mealtimes. In addition, the activity stresses the importance of getting exercise every day.

• My Very Own Pizza:
This popular activity uses the metaphor of a pizza to teach kids about the importance of all five food groups which can be easily represented on a pizza pie. Kids choose ingredients from the refrigerator to include on their pizza. Once they have successfully created a balanced meal, the pizza can go in the oven and kids even have the option to print the pizza recipe they just made.

• TeenBEAT: Basic Exercise & Activity Tracker:
This activity is focused on physical activity and teaching the importance of getting exercise for teens and adults alike. After entering their name and age, teens answer a few questions about their perceptions about exercise as well as document activities they current do. The tool then offers an analysis of current activity along with suggestions for additional physical activity to meet daily requirements.