Nutrition Ninja - Elementary School Elective

The school, Charles H Parker Academy offered us an opportunity to create an elective to expand our reach on nutrition and microgreens– ”Nutrition Ninja”.

Our action plan was designed with the specific goal of educating food-insecure students about nutrition, gardening, and sustainability through engaging, hands-on learning activities. The success of this initiative was measured by its ability to achieve the objectives of improving students' knowledge of nutrition, promoting practical gardening skills, and cultivating a deeper understanding of sustainable food systems.

To assess the effectiveness of our approach, we used an evaluation process which included pre- and post-project surveys to measure changes in students’ knowledge and attitudes, direct observations of student engagement, and feedback from teachers and Master Gardeners involved in the project. Our approach allowed for an analysis of how well the activities achieved the desired impact on the students and their community.

Our survey data revealed massive improvements in students’ understanding of food security and sustainability as many students expressed newfound confidence in food preparation and gardening. Students demonstrated an increased interest in continuing to grow their own food at home, showing the project’s influence. Additionally, teachers reported a noticeable shift in students’ attitudes toward nutrition, with many becoming more knowledgeable about making healthier food choices.

Through electives, students engaged in gardening projects. Taking home the plants they grew reinforced the link between classroom learning and real-world applications.

Through the electives, students were able to engage in gardening projects that allowed them to see the direct impact of sustainable practices. They took home plants they grew which reinforced the connection between their learning in the classroom and practical, real-world applications.