Pbs Teachers: Diet Wars

Explore the social, cultural and dietary factors that have led to an increasingly obese American public. Examine how the medical and diet industries have responded to consumers' desire to lose weight, and evaluate the myriad of diets...

Evaluate current guidelines for a healthy diet, compare them to one's own eating habits and learn safe behaviors for maintaining a healthy weight. Analyze the food pyramid, fast-food and health-food nutrition and the causes of obesity.

Students watch the documentary "Diet Wars" and answer worksheet related questions on positive and negative influences on health and diet.

This video adapted from 'The Hidden Epidemic: Heart Disease in America' examines the environmental factors that decades ago made heart disease the leading killer in America. While its root causes were unknown at that time, today...

Explore the history of athletic competition in the former Soviet Union and describe Soviet athletes' attempts to reconcile their achievements as unique individuals with the Soviet ideology of being equal to all. Research women's role in...

Find out what the human body needs to function at its best, and why.

The first part of this article by PBS on the Miss America pageants can be used in a health class when it's time to talk about body image. There are links to related articles. There are some great questions for discussion. There are ideas...

Students investigate the debate whether schools should regulate the amount or type of food and drink students consume. They write and present position papers after reading an online NY Times article.

Students develop critical thinking skills as they construct arguments for one of the three debates described in the lesson plan on "The Other Drug War."

Students explore their own dietary habits and identify food pyramid guidelines including serving sizes and recommended portions. They complete worksheets, conduct Internet research and evaluate school lunches.