Body Venture is an exciting educational exhibit for students in grades K-5, sponsored by:

Child Nutrition & Wellness, Kansas State Department of Education

Body Venture is about learning to

EAT SMART. PLAY HARD.

• It's a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active.
• It's an exciting tour of the human body featuring engaging, experiential educational activities.

The Body Venture Team

Child Nutrition & Wellness, Kansas State Department of Education

If you have any questions about Body Venture, please contact Kathy Thompson by clicking on her name in the list below or calling her at 785-296-2276.

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What is Body Venture?

Body Venture consists of:

• A 40-foot by 50-foot walk-through exhibit representing the human body
• Classroom activities for use prior to and following the students’ walk through the exhibit
• A take-home book for students to read with their families
• A list of additional nutrition education resources
• Information to help publicize the event and communicate with the media

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Why was Body Venture developed?

Because our children are flunking eating...

A critical need to address good nutrition, physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle choices exists because among American kids:

• Only 2% meet all recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.
• 16% do not meet ANY of the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.
• Less than 15% of school children eat the recommended servings of fruit.
• Less than 20% eat the recommended servings of vegetables.
• About 25% eat the recommended servings of grains.
• Only 30% consume the recommended milk group servings.
• About two-thirds eat more fat than is recommended.

Lifestyle choices made at early ages have a direct impact on adult health. Students need to learn about healthy lifestyle choices and to avoid behaviors that have an adverse impact on adult health. Healthy eating and physical activity are important life skills that help children grow and prevent them from developing health problems, such as obesity, later in life. Obesity in youth often carries over into adulthood contributing to the development of many chronic diseases including heart disease and diabetes. Teachers need additional resources to increase nutrition knowledge and improve eating skills of elementary school students. Body Venture can help meet these needs.

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As a result of Body Venture...

• Schools will use the Body Venture exhibit and its related materials to give children repeated opportunities to practice healthy behavior skills.
• Children will learn about the digestive system by walking through the exhibit.
• Children will remember the exhibit because of the active learning.
• Nutrition, health and physical activity will be linked to help reinforce positive health behaviors and raise the value placed on health.
• Children's eating and health behaviors will improve through learning skills needed to practice lifelong healthy behaviors.
• There will be a greater awareness among parents, school personnel, and community members of the importance of teaching children to practice healthy behaviors.

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Body Venture Floor Plan

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