Troy students educate elementary students on environment, nutrition

Troy University students spent their Friday afternoon helping fifth graders at Troy Elementary School learn about nutrition, pollution and the importance of caring for the environment. 

The lessons were part of the university’s gardening and nutrition initiative – a program coordinated through Troy’s Office of Civic Engagement. The fifth-grade classes were divided into two groups: one focused on healthy eating and the other on environmental awareness. 

The nutrition lesson was led by civic scholar Ella Pratt, a junior theatre major from Foley, Alabama, who serves as the team lead for the initiative. Pratt is responsible for developing and teaching the curriculum.  

“For nutrition, we introduced the food groups,” Pratt said. “Nutrients are what we are talking about today. 

“We want them to have a good understanding of what they should be eating and what foods will properly fuel their bodies. We also talked about healthy eating habits and what parts of the body certain foods affect and benefit.” 

Mckinley Watford, a sophomore biomedical sciences major from Dothan, Alabama, is a civic scholar with the Office of Civic Engagement. Watford helps Pratt teach the lessons. 

With the holiday season around the corner, Watford explained an added element of fun in the curriculum. 

“We want students to understand what foods are good sources to get healthy nutrients from,” Watford said. “To review, we made a mock Thanksgiving meal. 

“We discuss how our bodies can get those nutrients from different foods we would eat during Thanksgiving.” 

Lauren Cochran is the coordinator of the Office of Civic Engagement. The second group of fifth graders participated in a lesson on pollution taught by students enrolled in Cochran’s global challenges class.   

“This was a great pairing with our gardening program because we are emphasizing outdoor education and teaching responsibility with the resources that we have available,” Cochran said. “Our students have prepared lessons on water pollution and recycling to share with the fifth-grade students. 

“It’s been a great collective experience, and I’ve been able to see my students grow throughout the process.” 

Pratt said keeping the fifth graders involved and excited is one of her top priorities when planning each session. 

“I like to do activities at the end of every lesson to see what they’ve learned,” Pratt said.

q“Typically, we play a relay game or something that gets them up and moving. 

“I like to do worksheets and discussions. Seeing the kids engaged is a super rewarding thing.” 

The gardening and nutrition initiative visits Troy Elementary once a month and plans to continue offering lessons that connect healthy living to everyday choices. Students interested in volunteering with the Office of Civic Engagement can call (334) 808-6349.