"Professor Popcorn" - Teaching about the Food Pyramid in the state of Indiana

Fortunately there are places along side of Columbus, Ohio, where educators and school districts understand the importance of teaching children about health and nutrition.  Within the state of Indiana, Purdue University is at the forefront of this important educational movement.  Through the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service within the program of Consumer and Family Sciences, 52 extension staff have been trained to teach this new and influential nutrition related curriculum, titled "Professor Popcorn," within 38 Indiana counties.  The curriculum was created for grades 1-6, is linked to both health and science standards, and covers topics such as: My Pyramid, physical activity, and the dietary guidelines for healthy Americans.  Some counties have even decided to have their school staff trained in the curriculum, and within their schools Purdue extension staff teach along side classroom teachers.  With the implementation of curriculums such as this one, as well as the Food is Elementary program utilized by Local Matters, more opportunities for nationwide collaboration and cooperation will arise.  When these programs are able to work in conjunction with one another, more and more children will grow up with a concrete understanding of how foods can affect their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  To learn more about the "Professor Popcorn" curriculum being used by Purdue University, visit the following link: 

 www.extension.purdue.edu/cfs/topics/efnep/professorpopcorn.htm