In seventh and eighth grade, an innovation project is being developed that integrates Health and ICT classes, the objective of which is to develop a mobile application. In seventh grade, nutritional needs are explained according to the age, sex, physical activity and physiological state (pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.) of the person, while in eighth grade, some treatments are proposed for patients diagnosed with chronic diseases associated with diet and other lifestyle habits. This project offers students different opportunities for meaningful learning, allowing them to develop academic, social, cognitive and problem-solving skills.
The initiative, which arises from the deeper learning approach, not only seeks to apply technological concepts, but also promotes essential skills such as empathy and critical thinking. For students, the challenge is to create a functional app that provides practical solutions from nutrition and contributes to the promotion of healthy habits using technology.
Through this project, students have strengthened the following aspects:
Development of technological skills: students learn to code, design intuitive interfaces, and analyze data, essential skills in today’s digital world. This project gives them a real opportunity to apply programming and design knowledge in a practical context.
Development of critical thinking and real-world problem solving: innovation in the classroom requires students to solve authentic problems. By creating this application, they learn to identify the needs of users (in this case, patients with specific nutritional needs) and to seek effective solutions. This reinforces creativity and encourages innovation.
Fostering empathy and social responsibility: by working on a project that directly impacts the lives of people with specific needs, students develop a deeper understanding of social and health issues. They become sensitive to the challenges faced by chronic patients, which reinforces their ability to think of solutions with a user-centered approach.
Teamwork and communication skills: This type of project encourages collaboration as students work in groups to research, develop prototypes, and present their ideas. Effective communication and team decision-making are key aspects that are enhanced throughout the process.
Development of research and analysis skills: Throughout the project, students are required to understand the principles of nutrition, research how nutrition impacts people’s health and how nutritional needs should be met, conduct comparative analysis of populations by age, sex, region, etc. This comprehensive approach not only reinforces their academic learning but teaches them how to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts.
In conclusion, this innovation project not only allows seventh and eighth grade students to develop a functional application on nutritional needs and chronic diseases, but also provides them with a dynamic and multidimensional learning environment. The combination of technical skills, social empathy, and teamwork prepares them to face the challenges of an ever-evolving world.