Actions of the European Research Project Partnerships for Science Education (PAFSE) with 8th-grade students at the Gymnasium Paralimniou about childhood obesity
8th-grade students at the Gymnasium Paralimniou, explore the socio-scientific issue about childhood obesity through an interdisciplinary approach. They engage with the local community and specialists in matters related to healthy nutrition and extended reality technologies.
Specifically, the students’ research project aims to answer the following research questions:
- What are the causes, health risks, and potential solutions related to childhood obesity?
- What responsibilities do individuals and governments have in reducing childhood obesity?
- What are the perceptions and knowledge of the local community members regarding childhood obesity?
To enhance their understanding of the structure and function of the human digestive system, the students used Extended Reality Technologies in the classroom, including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tools. These professional learning activities were jointly organized by Cyprus Pedagogical Institute and the Inspectorate of Biology of Cyprus Ministry of Education. During the week of February 5th to February 9th, 2024, the 8th grade students at the Gymnasium Paralimniou, participating in the PAFSE program, utilized applications and software related to virtual and augmented reality. These tools allowed them to better understand of the organization and functioning of the human digestive system.
Among the applications used, were Merge Object Viewer, Anatomy 4D, Human Body, and several 360-degree VR videos. The students actively and enthusiastically participated in the entire process, which helped them develop conceptual and scientific understanding of the topic. Additionally, by utilizing modern technological tools, students enhanced their critical thinking abilities and practical skills.
Furthermore, to enhance the students’ comprehension and raise awareness regarding the socio-scientific issue about childhood obesity, activities were developed related to topics such as nutrient content in foods, GDAs (Guideline Daily Amounts) labels, healthy nutrition, mediterranean diet, food pyramid, physical exercise, as well as social determinants associated with this topic.
The lead teachers for the actions related to childhood obesity are Ms. Salomi Hadjiconstantinou and Ms. Marie Constanti (Msc), Biology teachers at the Gymnasium Paralimniou.
