High Feather Evaluation

The following evaluation was prepared by Chris Tomascik, Luzerne County, for use as a pre- and post-test with the High Feather program. In addition, she has included a summary of data she has generated to test the effectiveness of her program. We hope this information is useful to you.

Name    ________________________   School  ______________________

If the statement is true, circle T. If the statement is false, circle F. If you are not sure of the correct answer, circle NS.

   T  F  NS        1    Taking pills is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need each day for good health.

   T  F  NS        2    Too much sugar in your diet may cause cavities.

   T  F  NS        3    The best way to lose weight is to skip meals.

   T  F  NS        4    Salt is in food naturally.

   T  F  NS        5    Fruits and vegetables are low sugar snacks.

   T  F  NS        6    Candy and Cookies are "empty calorie" foods.

   T  F  NS        7    Insulin helps the body use food for energy, to grow,  and to carry out daily activities.

   T  F  NS        8    Cancer is a disease in which sugar is not utilized properly by the body.

   T  F  NS        9    A food's label gives the consumer nutrition information.

   T  F  NS       10    A balanced diet is not necessary to have enough energy for work and play.

   T  F  NS       11    Chocolate cake is a nutritious snack.

   T  F  NS       12    Too much food and not enough exercise makes you fat.

   T  F  NS       13    Some cereals are 50% sugar.

   T  F  NS       14    A well balanced breakfast gives you energy.

   T  F  NS       15    Foods high in sugar content are burned up quickly by your body and can cause a lack of energy and a tired feeling.

   T  F  NS       16    Being the correct weight for your height makes you feel good about yourself.

   T  F  NS       17    If you were shopping for good quality tomatoes, you would look for a nice red color and firmness.

   T  F  NS       18    Milk provides calcium for good teeth and bones.

   T  F  NS       19    The bread group provides the best source of protein.

   T  F  NS       20    Nutrients are vitamins, minerals, water, carbohydrates and protein.

   T  F  NS       21    If you don't eat food, you feel tired and cranky.

   T  F  NS       22    A light activity is done while sitting, using little or no arm movement.

   T  F  NS       23    The best way to lose weight is quickly.

   T  F  NS       24    Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by starvation.

   T  F  NS       25    Vitamin pills are a good substitute for a well balanced diet.

   T  F  NS       26    Your parents are responsible for what you eat.

   T  F  NS       27    Breads and potatoes are too fattening to eat.

   T  F  NS       28    Hiking requires a lot of energy from high calorie, nutritious foods.

   T  F  NS       29    In the woods, you can eat almost anything you find, like berries and mushrooms.

   T  F  NS       30    Freeze-drying and dehydration preserve food by removing the water they contain.

Complete the following section if you will/have view(ed) the High Feather programs 7 through 10.

   T  F  NS       31    Taking small portions and eating slowly help you know when you're full and can keep you from overeating.

   T  F  NS       32    Being depressed may lead to overeating.

   T  F  NS       33    Store brand foods usually cost less than national brands.

   T  F  NS       34    Vitamin A is good for night vision and skin.

   T  F  NS       35    Some cooking methods keep nutrients in food.

   T  F  NS       36    Drinking alcohol can cause lack of responsibility and have negative effects on your body.

   T  F  NS       37    Cooking is for girls.

   T  F  NS       38    Every action you make requires energy.

   T  F  NS       39    There are over 600 muscles in your body.

   T  F  NS       40    Taking care of your appearance can make you feel good.

   T  F  NS       41    All foods work together in your body to build muscle, body tissue, blood and bones.

   T  F  NS       42    You only need a well balanced diet when you are young.

   T  F  NS       43    Everyone around the world eats the same kinds of food.

   T  F  NS       44    Oranges and grapefruits provide us with Vitamin C.

   T  F  NS       45    A balanced diet contains foods from the meat, milk, fruit & vegetable and bread & cereal food groups.

Changes I've Made in My Nutrition Habitsi

The following section is to be filled out by everyone.

While viewing High Feather and completing the activity sheets, you've had the chance to learn new things about nutrition and health. On the following lines, list any changes you have made to your nutrition habits as a result of the information contained in the 4-H High Feather series. For example, you might have tried a new vegetable; you might have decided that you don't need the vitamins you've been taking; you make sure you have three servings from the milk group because in the past you didn't get enough milk or you exercise everyday because High Feather taught you the importance of daily exercise. If you haven't made any changes, leave the lines blank.

1. ____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________

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Data Generated From Pre- Post-Test

III(d). Helping Children Develop Sound Nutritional Habits using "High Feather" in a 4-H School Enrichment Program.

Objectives:

To provide nutrition information to 4th and 5th grade students using the 4-H video series, High Feather, to increase the student's knowledge of nutrition information contained in the series by 10% to facilitate behavior change in 50% of the participants

Impact:

• From 1988 to 1990, 1810 4th and 5th graders received nutrition education through High Feather. Twenty-one teachers used the program with 81 classes in 7 schools.
• In 1988, 6 classes showed 7%, 8%, 19%, 24%, 25% and 36% knowledge gains.
• In 1990, 263 students showed an average 14% knowledge increase of the nutrition concepts contained in High Feather.
• Eighty-nine percent of the students changed behavior as a result of the information contained in High Feather: 28% (N=73) changed 1 nutrition
  habit, 61% (N=161) changed 2 nutrition habits.
• Students said:
  • "I've exercised a little more and tried not to eat empty calorie foods."
  • "I decided not to eat meat all the time by using other substitutions."
  • "I used to take a protein drink when I would go to dance class. I don't anymore."
  • "I have started eating more kinds of vegetables and fruit. I am now interested in cooking."
  • "I have exercised more and I am going to plant a garden."
  • "Try not to eat as much sugar." "I eat a lot less candy than I used to."
  • "I decided I don't need my vitamin pills."
  • "I've taken better care of my teeth."
  • "I stopped eating chips two times a day."
• Forty-eight students played the Magic Formula Game before and after High Feather to determine knowledge of the recommended servings from the four food groups. No students knew the correct formula before the program; 45 students (94%) knew the correct formula after the program.
• Twenty-seven (33%) of the classes prepared recipes from the High Feather Cookbook. Teachers said it was a way for students to sample nutritious food and learn simple food preparation techniques.
• Sixteen (15%) of the classes held round-ups where students were able to display their projects and receive ribbon awards for their efforts.
• High Feather participants exhibited at the Luzerne County Fair.

Evaluation:

The candidate developed a pre-and post evaluation for use in 1990. The evaluation was randomly conducted with 50% of the students and administered by the teachers directly before and after the series. In addition, 2 classes used the candidate's Magic Formula Game to evaluate knowledge of the daily recommended servings. The game was supervised and results tallied by a teacher.

Methods:

Used the High Feather School enrichment program to enhance urban 4-H programming.

Conducted "Get acquainted with 4-H" assemblies: 1) promoted 4-H 2) answered nutrition questions 3) Held a "Nutrition Bee" competition with 2 students from each class. Winning class received 4-H pencils.

Distributed the 4-H Member's Memo, a post-program newsletter to students and parents.

Volunteer Role:

Teachers used the 10 part video series, supplemented with a 4-H High Feather workbook, to teach nutrition in the classroom.

As teachers became more familiar with 4-H school enrichment programs, they accepted additional responsibilities:

• Teachers previously involved in the program trained new teachers to use High Feather.
• In schools where a number of teachers used the program, one teacher accepted the position of school coordinator. There are 6 school coordinators.
• Teachers recruited other teachers into 4-H to use High Feather or another 4-H school enrichment program.
• Teachers regularly offer suggestions for program improvement and initiate changes.
• Teachers conducted supplementary activities: round ups and food preparation.

Candidate's Role:

Worked with school administrators. Contacted individual schools. Trained teachers. Provided program materials. Conducted school assemblies.

Evaluated the Program:

Developed the 1990 pre- post-evaluation. The evaluation was reviewed and approved by state 4-H and nutrition specialists. It was shared at a Northeast
Region 4-H staff meeting. Four 4-H agents requested the instrument for use in their counties.

Wrote fair and round-up requirements.

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Contact for questions

to Jan Scholl's home page

 

Updated 10/19/05