Lesson 4: How does where Monique lives and what she does affect her diabetes?
How does our environment impact our health?
Have you ever wondered why one flower in a bunch dies faster than the others? Often times, this is because of the environment. The environment includes everything that surrounds us. For example, plant’s environment includes sunlight, soil, and water. Not all plants get the same amount of these three things, so some plants are healthier than others. The environment has an impact on human health in a similar way. The air we breathe, where we grocery shop, where we work, and where we play all affect our health. The good news is that we do have some control over our environment, so we can make changes to improve our health.
Key Point #1
The environment and our genetics work together to determine health outcomes.
Ask students how these factors interacted in their models.
Key Point #2
Everyone has different environments that affect their health differently. Ask students about the experiment they did in class!
Key Point #3
Where we live and work and what we eat affects our health. Ask students what environmental factors can affect health!
L4: How can you control your health?
Food, physical activity and mindfullness
Eat right
Eat more color! Different foods give us different nutrients. The more colorful your plate is the more balanced and healthy your meal is.
Get active
Make a list of activities you like to do. Where can you do these activities? Try to do one thing off this list every day!
Be mindful
Brainstorm a list of environmental factors that affect you and your family. In what ways can you improve your environment?
L4 Explore More: How do different kinds of water affect a plant's growth?
What does a plant need to grow?
Materials: Dirt, the seeds and a cup or jar (a plastic bottle cut in half works too).
Step 1: Plant four seeds (bean seeds work well).
Step 2: Label the cups: water, juice, soda, and milk (pick at least two of these depending on what you have at home).
Step 3: “Water” each plant according to its label every day. Watch how the plants grow differently! Make sure all the plants get the same amount of sunlight.
GOAL: Understand how different “waters” impact the health of the plant.
