Online courses cover childhood obesity, Farm to School and other nutrition topics

PRLog (Press Release) - May 30, 2012 - Two online graduate courses from Montana State University help educators, administrators and youth development professionals better understand nutrition-related issues, such as the increasing rate of childhood obesity, the role of food and nutrition in healthy kids, eating disorders, and movements like school gardens and Farm-to-School. The courses also offer teachers new ideas for bringing food, nutrition and agriculture-related topics into the classroom.

Both courses are being offered at special pricing for Summer 2012 only.
"Food and Nutrition Across the Elementary Curriculum" (NUTR 591) offers one MSU graduate credit and runs June 18 to Aug 5. The price is $100.

"Teaching Adolescent Nutrition" (NUTR 524) offers two MSU graduate credits and runs from June 18 to Aug. 10. The price is $200.

Both courses are offered through Montana State Online and the National Teachers Enhancement Network (NTEN). The credits can be applied toward MSU's online graduate certificates in science teaching or toward an online master's degree in science education.

"Food and Nutrition across the Elementary Curriculum" is designed for educators who work with younger children. The course will enhance participants' understanding of food and nutrition concepts and issues, School Wellness committees, school gardens, Farm to School efforts and other topics. Participants will learn about hands-on activities and lesson plans for the classroom.

"Teaching Adolescent Nutrition" is relevant for all educators, administrators and youth development professionals. Participants will investigate numerous adolescent nutrition topics and also discuss the influence of School Wellness Policies. Topics will include sports nutrition, dietary supplements, eating disorders and body image, food safety, the USDA's new MyPlate recommendations and many others.

For more information or to register, visit http://btc.montana.edu/courses/aspx/ntencourses.aspx or e-mail distance@montana.edu or call (406) 994-6683.