Web Exercises

Web Exercise #1: The Weight of the Nation

LO 3.1 Identify patterns of body growth and biological and contextual influences on growth during infancy and childhood.

Chapter 3 discusses physical development in infancy and childhood. Specifically, it discusses the fact that vitamins and minerals are important in healthy development. However, many children in the United States are at risk, because families feed them foods that are high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals. In this exercise, students will watch the documentary The Weight of the Nation: Part 3--Children in Crisis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T24B6T-hp0E and answer these questions:

  1. If the parents were concerned about the health of their children, why do you think they let them eat the wrong foods?
  2. What are the health consequences of overweight children?
  3. Do you think that parents should model healthy eating? What about other family members who are not overweight? Why or why not?
  4. How do families, neighborhoods, and schools play a role in the health of children?
  5. Should schools take more responsibility for the health of the students?

 

Web Exercise #2: Getting Pregnant in Your 30s and 40s

LO 3.3 Identify normative patterns of physical and reproductive change as well as explanations for the causes of aging.

Directions: This activity can be done individually or in small groups. According to your textbook, many women are waiting until later in life to have babies. The purpose of this assignment is to explore the pros and cons of having a baby in your 30s or 40s. Have students read the information provided on the following websites and answer the following questions.

  1. What do you think? Should people who are over the age of 30 reconsider having biological children?
  2. If you were planning to have children in your 30s, what thoughts do you have after reading these web pages?
  3. What advice would you give to a couple who is thinking about having a baby in their 30s?

 

Web Exercise #3: Myths and Facts Surrounding Menopause and Hormones

LO 3.3 Identify normative patterns of physical and reproductive change as well as explanations for the causes of aging.

Directions: This activity may be done individually. Chapter 3 discusses reproductive changes that middle-aged men and women experience. Menopause can be very frustrating to go through, as the symptoms may appear at any time. In the following TEDx talk, Michelle Warren discusses the myths and facts surrounding menopause hormones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcD0XkIpls0

  1. What are some of the myths?
  2. What are the facts?
  3. What was the most interesting thing you learned from this talk?

 

Web Exercise #4: Breastfeeding Laws

LO 3.4 Analyze the influence of eating habits, obesity, and physical activity on physical development and functioning over the lifespan.

Chapter 4 introduces students to the importance of breastfeeding. However, women may sometimes face challenges to breastfeeding. Ask students to consider the following scenarios, view the websites provided, and answer the questions.

  1. Joyce is a new mother who breastfeeds. She recently got a new job working as a custodian in a local middle school. After working for three days, she complains to her supervisor that she feels rushed on her 15-minute breaks, does not have enough time to pump milk on her breaks, and feels uncomfortable that the only place available for her to pump is a bathroom stall. According to the law, what should her supervisor do?
  2.  Lori gave birth to a little boy, Jonathan, 5 weeks ago. She’s adjusting to life as a single mother and breastfeeding. Her ex-boyfriend, Keith, just contacted her, saying he wants custody of the baby and will be suing her for all rights. What do you think the court will do? What is the law?

Helpful websites:

 

Web Exercise #5: Toddlers = Picky Eaters

LO 3.4 Analyze the influence of eating habits, obesity, and physical activity on physical development and functioning over the lifespan.

This chapter introduces students to the fact that toddlers are picky eaters. One of the most common complaints from parents of toddlers is their babies won’t eat. They do not understand this is normal. Have students watch the video and read the article on the website below and answer the questions that follow: http://www.whattoexpect.com/feeding-picky-eaters/video.aspx.

  1. What are three things you learned from watching this video and reading the article?
  2. What advice would you give a friend who complains that his or her toddler will not eat?