1. Writing a research task in Home Economics Forming and expressing your opinion

2. What is the task? Refer to the task sheet and get the EXACT WORDING of the question. Pick out the key words that will guide your research and your opinion. Investigate the following technological influences on children’s food consumption: modern lifestyle; technological developments in food preparation; mass media. In your opinion are these technological influences positive or negative? How can technology be used to improve the food consumption patterns? Your opinion needs to be strongly supported by evidence from your research. (word limit 400 words)

3. Research widely Use the internet, newspapers, journals etc to research and find reputable reports or information Decide what is most relevant to view / read etc. Keep a precise reference list – see ‘How to reference your work’ – compile it as you go. Create a draft table where you organise your thoughts and your research

4. AspectImpact (own words)Evidence / quoteSourceOpinion Positive/negat ive on food consumption modern lifestyle; Childhood obesity is continuing to increase. This is linked to many factors including poor nutrition, and busy lifestyles. Poor eating habits, lack of understanding of or access to food/nutrition information, and lack of fitness and physical exercise are all factors which contribute to what is becoming known as the ‘obesity epidemic’. http://www.earlychildhooda ustralia.org.au/resource_th emes/child_health_and_chil dhood_obesity.html Accessed 18/3/09 Negative but positive changes can be made by… technolo gical develop ments in food preparat ion; The increase in obesity is also linked to processed foods. Many of the processed foods available are high in fat, salt and sugar providing empty calories and delivering poor nutritional outcomes. Processed foods are to blame for the sharp rise in obesity levels and chronic disease around the globe, according to the World Health Organization Cut processed food, say experts 3 March, 2003 http://www.healingsearch.com/_ ReportPages/processed_foods_ to_blame.htm accessed 18/3/09 http://www.healingsearch.com/_ ReportPages/processed_foods_ to_blame.htm negative but increasingly foods are being produced that are low in fat, salt & sugar. … mass media The amount of time that children spend watching television can have a significant impact on many aspects of their development – both negative and positive. This is linked to food consumption in a number of ways. Television watching is related to overweight problems because children don't use much body energy when they are watching they often watch instead of being involved in more active play they are likely to have snacks while watching. In addition, they see a lot of food advertisements leading them to want foods that are not good for their health and weight. Helping young children to develop good eating patterns and enjoyment from sport and exercise may help them avoid later health problems. Limit TV viewing to help prevent childhood obesity 17 Jan 2005 http://www.cyh.com/archive/NewsDet ail.aspx?p=155&id=1870&np=248 http://www.cyh.com/archive/NewsDet ail.aspx?p=155&id=1870&np=248 Accessed 18/3/09 Negative aspect but can be turned positive by… mass media Television and videos entertain us all, but for children they also provide a window on the world. That world influences their development. They take in messages about lifestyles and behaviour. They can be overburdened with the harsh realities of life and given messages that are harmful to their development. They can also have positive experiences and be shown responsible ways of acting in the world. Television http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/Hea lthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=301&i d=1839 accessed 18/3/09 Both positive and negative – positive messages can be…

5. Create your essay Use the impact and column which you have written in your own words to form the basis of your essay. Include relevant quotes or ideas, correctly referenced in appropriate places CLEARLY EXPRESS YOUR OPINION SEND IN A DRAFT EDIT AND STICK TO WORD COUNT INCLUDE BIBLIOGRAPHY