Researchers at North Carolina State University tested a classroom intervention called "More PEAS Please!" with Head Start preschoolers in three North Carolina counties. The project, led by Virginia Stage, associate professor of agricultural and human sciences, was evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study compared more than 125 children who received the intervention with almost 150 who did not.
The curriculum included a unit on seeds in which children examined and played with different seeds, watched seeds germinate, and compared growth under different conditions, such as with and without sun and water. Children also prepared a simple seed salsa using tomatoes and corn. Teachers attended an all-day workshop and received supplemental resources during the year; YouTube whiteboard videos provided additional training, including guidance on how to discuss science with four-year-olds.
Results showed notable gains: children in the food-based learning group improved their understanding of scientific concepts four times more than the comparison group, and their vocabulary increased by almost 20% at the end of the school year versus a 6% rise in the comparison group. Qualitative findings indicated that teachers gained confidence in communicating both science and nutrition through hands-on food activities. Study coauthor Jocelyn Dixon emphasized that non-pressuring exposures to healthy foods outside mealtime are important and that small steps, such as moving from touching food with a fork to touching it with fingers, are meaningful progress.
- The paper appears in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior.
- Additional coauthors are from East Carolina University and Telamon Corporation Head Start.
- The work was supported by a National Institute of General Medical Sciences Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA).
Difficult words
- intervention — planned set of activities to change outcomes
- curriculum — organized set of teaching units and lessons
- germinate — begin to grow, especially seeds sprouting
- qualitative — related to descriptions and non-numerical data
- quantitative — related to numbers, amounts, or measurements
- supplemental — extra materials or support added to something
- exposure — experience of being near or introduced to somethingexposures
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can hands-on food activities help preschoolers learn both science and nutrition? Give examples based on the article.
- What are the possible benefits and challenges of exposing children to healthy foods outside mealtimes, as the study suggests?
