Full
Ahead
Tracy Real
STEM
Activities for Health and Balance
Increased screen time and busy
schedules have led to a number of health issues, including decreased physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. Consider starting the year with more energy and a healthier outlook, using simple, engaging STEAM activities. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) not only educates, but also encourages healthy eating, exercise and life balance. Here are creative STEAM activities to help your family achieve improved health in 2020.
resources at www.choosemyplate.gov/ kids. Go on a pantry or refrigerator scavenger hunt to see how many healthful foods fit into the “My Plate” recommended food groups; then identify what groups are most and least represented.
Read food labels.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Show kids how to eat and live well through educational, child-focused videos. TED-Ed shares a plethora of STEAM-related subjects, including health, nutrition, physical fitness and more. Check out short videos such as, “How Your Muscular System Works” or “How Playing Sports Benefits Your Body and Your Brain.” https://ed.ted.com
Science, Math The FDA website offers great resources about food labeling and nutrition. Explore nutritional profiles and compare sugar amounts in your favorite foods. Kids will be surprised at how much sugar is in different products, especially presumably healthful treats like pre-bottled smoothies and fruit gummies. Make a number line representing grams of sugar from least to greatest. Educate your family at www.fda.gov/food/food-labelingnutrition/nutrition-educationresources-materials, then visit your local farmers market or grocery store to buy healthier options.
Understand nutrition.
Dedicate time for physical activity.
Learn about your body.
Science, Technology, Math Learning about nutrition can motivate kids to eat better. The USDA website offers fun games, videos, tips and
16 • SanDiegofamily.com • January 2020
Technology, Math According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), kids 7–17 should get 60 minutes of physical
exercise daily because it has a positive impact on mind and body. For kids who are athletes, keep moving! For others, choose activities and schedule a time that works. Chart daily progress through exercise apps. Complete a bar graph to note individual progress for steps or miles per day — compete with family members for longer distances.
Explore the outdoors.
Science, Technology, Art Exploring the outdoors keeps kids moving and sparks all senses. Feeling tree bark, observing bugs, listening to birds, smelling flowers and tasting fresh herbs stimulates the brain and promotes balance in a relaxed atmosphere. These simple activities and observations lead to hours of fun in your backyard, at a local park, or on one of San Diego’s many walking trails or beaches. Immersing yourself in nature leads to physical and emotional wellness. Grab water bottles and go exploring with the family. Encourage kids to select a trail and use a digital or pocket compass to navigate. Collect nature clippings (that have already fallen on the ground) and create art rubbings or twig sculptures at home. Go to www .sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ out-about for a list of favorite hiking trails in San Diego. v Tracy Real is a credentialed school counselor who teaches daily STEAM activities to local elementary students, encouraging problem solving and creative thinking.