Ideas to Inspire

Interactive websites are kind of hit and miss, but this one looks promising for health/science/culture. Blue Zones for educators has a series of modules that encourages healthy behaviors in students through scientific exploration of cultural behaviors. I had a problem signing up as an educator, but the general log in worked fine and I could access the lesson plans.
The Blue Zones Challenge  teams students, parents, and educators in an effort to alter the four key behaviors that impact childhood obesity. This personalized program empowers students, with the support of their parents and teachers, to take charge of their own health by tracking servings of fruits and vegetables; periods of physical activity; servings of sweetened beverages; and periods of watching television. Lesson plans and information are attached to all the projects.

The Legacy Project has two significant components. First, it provides the opportunity for kids to interact with someone from a different generation to learn more about the meaning and importance of legacy—both on an individual level and generational level. Second, it provides the opportunity for kids to be involved with real scientific research by sharing their findings through this Web site with scientists at the National Institute on Aging.

The Financial Challenge helps students understand the basics of financial literacy. Supported by their parents and teachers, students track their ability to earn, budget, and save for a month. Students will assess their current habits, set goals for their future, and track their progress as they learn about the power of savings over time.