Overview

This two-day, 90-minute project helps 9th and 10th grade exercise science students critically analyze fad diets. Students will investigate popular diets, evaluate health claims, and present evidence-based conclusions to develop media literacy and scientific reasoning skills.

---

Standards Alignment

This lesson aligns with key Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Literacy in Science:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.8: Assess the extent to which the reasoning and evidence in a text support the author’s claims.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

• HS-LS1-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
• HS-LS1-7: Use a model to illustrate how food is rearranged through chemical reactions into molecules usable by the body.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

1. Define and identify characteristics of fad diets.
2. Critically analyze health claims made by fad diets using credible scientific sources.
3. Communicate findings through written and oral presentations with clear evidence.
4. Understand the scientific basis of nutrition and the impact of dietary choices on the body.

---

Day 1: Investigating Fad Diets (45 minutes)

Materials

• Printed, dyslexia-friendly summaries of selected fad diets (e.g., Keto, Paleo, Juice Cleanses, Intermittent Fasting)
• Science notebooks or digital device for notes
• Graphic organizer for evaluation
• Project rubric handout

Activities

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Brief discussion: What is a fad diet? What makes it different from a scientifically backed nutrition plan?
• Show a short teacher-led presentation summarizing 3–4 common fad diets.
• Share success criteria: Clear understanding of fad diets, ability to evaluate claims using evidence, and teamwork.

2. Group Research & Analysis (25 minutes)

• Divide class into 5 groups (6 students each). Assign each group a fad diet.
• Students read dyslexia-friendly summaries with highlighted claims.
• Use graphic organizer to:
  • Summarize the diet’s main points.
  • Identify health claims.
  • Research to find supporting or contradicting scientific evidence (teacher pre-select websites/articles).

3. Wrap-up & Reflection (10 minutes)

• Groups share one surprising or questionable claim.
• Teacher models how to question claims critically.
• Assign homework: Prepare a short oral presentation outlining their findings for Day 2.

Differentiation Strategies

• Provide reading materials in dyslexia-friendly fonts (OpenDyslexic), larger print, and use simpler language for English learners or students with reading difficulties.
• Advanced learners receive more complex scientific articles to analyze contrasting evidence.
• Assign roles within groups (reader, recorder, presenter) to match student strengths.

---

Day 2: Presenting Evidence & Critical Thinking (45 minutes)

Materials

• Students’ graphic organizers and notes
• Presentation rubric
• Whiteboard/chart for group feedback

Activities

1. Student Presentations (30 minutes)

• Each group delivers a 4-5 minute presentation addressing:
  • Overview of the fad diet
  • Major health claims
  • Scientific evidence that supports/refutes these claims
  • Overall evaluation of diet credibility

2. Class Discussion & Peer Feedback (10 minutes)

• Class votes on which fad diet seems most/least credible based on evidence.
• Teacher facilitates discussion on the importance of evidence-based health decisions.
• Compare fad diets to the scientific understanding of homeostasis and nutrition (NGSS HS-LS1-3/7).

3. Individual Reflection (5 minutes)

• Students write a quick exit slip responding to:
  • "How will this project change the way you evaluate diet and health information in the future?"

Success Criteria

• Presentations are clear, logical, and supported by scientific evidence.
• Students actively participate in discussion and peer feedback.
• Students demonstrate improved ability to critique health claims critically.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Research and present the long-term physiological effects of one fad diet.
• Create a multimedia campaign advocating for evidence-based nutrition.

Differentiation Strategies

• Provide graphic organizer templates for students needing additional support.
• Allow alternative presentation modes including video, infographic, or written report.
• Pair students strategically for peer support during presentations.

---

Assessment & Feedback

Formative: Graphic organizers and group discussions during Day 1.
Summative: Group presentations evaluated with rubric assessing content accuracy, use of evidence, communication skills, and critical thinking.
Self-Assessment: Exit slip reflections.

---

Teacher Notes

• Prepare all reading materials and credible scientific resources in advance, ensuring readability for diverse learners.
• Emphasize that the goal is not to disparage diets but to critically analyze claims.
• Utilize supportive language to validate all student contributions.

---

This innovative and research-based project engages students in real-world health literacy challenges, sharpening critical thinking and presentation skills while reinforcing core scientific concepts.