KATALYST is a research project focused on teaching 5th grade students how lifestyle behaviors impact our health by showing the science of the human body through hands-on lessons in anatomy and physiology with a focus on diet, physical activity, tobacco, and drug abuse.

Introduction

West Virginia is a leader in poor health statistics: 42.6% have high blood pressure, 14.5% have diabetes, and 34% are overweight. WV ranks top 1-2 in the nation for prevalence of heart attacks, heart disease, and overdose deaths. What many may not know is that our lifestyle behaviors are the main contributors to these health concerns. With better lifestyle behaviors we can prevent or reverse many health issues and improve our state's statistics. To accomplish this, our best bet is to educate WV residents about making better lifestyle choices. How do we get there? The KATALYST project! In science, a catalyst sparks a change -- in KATALYST , we aim to spark a change in children through teaching them the science of the human body and how lifestyle choices impact our health.

Aims

• To inspire students to explore future careers in the health sciences, technology, or engineering (STEM fields)
• To promote healthy lifestyle choices among students by teaching the science behind them

Design

Katalyst is designed specifically for 5th grade students as a hands-on learning program. We work with three elementary schools in Monongalia County (WV). Each school's program takes place over two days, spanning 2.5 hours each day. Four stations are set up, each of which is specific to a body system, such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular & endocrine, pulmonary & musculoskeletal, and nervous system. These stations teach lessons on the anatomy and function of each body organ and the healthy and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors associated with each organ. Every station is 50 minutes and led by 2-3 undergraduate students assisted by medical students. Participating students are asked to complete a survey before and after the presentations to help improve the program and expand its impact to other schools in the state

Outcome, Impact & Future Work

Acknowledgements

This work is a collaborative effort with West Virginia University School of Medicine and the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design.

Publications & Presentations

* denotes Research Assistant Trainees in the Olfert Research Lab

Baker K*, Hendricks T*, Hagedorn RL*, McGowan M*, Joseph LM*, Olfert MD. KATALYST Pilot Study: Development of a 5th Grade Novel Approach to Health and Science Experiential Learning. Methods & Protocol 2018. in review 

Hagedorn RL*, Baker K*, Hendricks T*, McGowan M*, Joseph LM*, Olfert MD. Outcomes from a 5th Grade Novel Approach to Health and Science Experiential Learning KATALYST Pilot Study: Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018. in review

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Hagedorn RL*, Baker K*, Hendricks T*, McGowan M*, Joseph LM*, Ghandi SH*, Waanders TR*, Olfert MD. Katalyst Pilot Study: Using Interactive Activities in Anatomy and Physiology to Teach Children the Scientific Foundation of Healthy Lifestyles. American Society forNutrition. Boston, MA. June 2018.

Baker KA*, Hendricks T*, Hagedorn RL*, McGowan M, Joseph LM, Olfert MD. Katalyst Pilot Study: Development of a 5th Grade Novel Approach to Health and Science Through Experimental Learning. American Society for Nutrition. Boston, MA. June 2018.