At Gateway Academy, students in the Foods and Nutrition program are taking a creative, hands-on approach to learning about one of the body’s most important processes—digestion. As part of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework, scholars constructed life-sized diagrams of the digestive system, blending art, science, and health education into an interactive learning experience.
Using butcher paper, students traced their own bodies, then labeled and illustrated the major organs involved in digestion, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. They also mapped out key digestive processes, such as peristalsis, the rhythmic contractions that push food through the digestive tract, and chyme formation, where food is broken down in the stomach before entering the intestines. By engaging in this hands-on project, students visualized how food moves through the body, reinforcing their understanding of nutrient absorption and metabolism.
How Foods and Nutrition Builds a Stronger Future
The Foods and Nutrition program is more than just a science class—it is a gateway to future careers in health, wellness, and the culinary arts. As a part of CTE, this program helps students build essential skills that prepare them for careers in dietetics, nutrition, food science, hospitality, healthcare, and beyond. By combining scientific knowledge with real-world applications, students gain a deep understanding of how food impacts health, a skillset that is increasingly valuable in today’s world.
Through projects like the digestive system diagram, students learn to think critically, apply scientific principles, and work collaboratively—all essential skills for success in the workforce. Whether they pursue careers in healthcare, food service, or wellness industries, these scholars are developing a foundation that will serve them well in any path they choose.
This project is just one example of the engaging, career-driven learning experiences that CTE programs at Gateway Academy provide. By giving students the opportunity to explore real-world challenges through interactive projects, CTE is shaping the next generation of skilled professionals, innovators, and leaders in nutrition, health sciences, and culinary arts.
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