810-lancaster Farming, Saturday, June 14, 1997
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Dairy Council School Assembly
Makes Nutrition Entertaining
The Marvelous Machine theatrical program delights over
67,000 students with messages for healthy eating
RHEEMS (Lancaster County) - On a recent spring afternoon,
students at Rheems Elementary School saw firsthand what The Marvelous
Machine can do. The Marvelous Machine is, of course, the human body,
which is able to do amazing things when given the proper fuel. Sponsored
by Dairy Council, Inc., The Marvelous Machine school assembly is an
interactive and creative learning experience that intertwines education and
entertainment into a theatrical production teaching elementary students
about the benefits of milk and good nutrition.
To date, this program has reached more than 67,200 students in
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware with positive dairy messages.
For the second year in a row, Dairy Council received a grant from the
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, enabling Dairy Council to bring
the assembly to some low income school districts in Pennsylvania for free.
Dairy Council is currently conducting research to determine how
The Marvelous Machine impacts students who watch the performance. The
study, conducted by a nationally recognized researcher, is evaluating
knowledge gained by the students and their intention to make changes
in food choices. Teachers are also being surveyed to evaluate the overall
educational value of the assembly.
“Dairy Council programs must meet the highest standards, and we
continually measure the effectiveness of programs such as The Marvelous
Machine ,” says Jan Stanton, Executive Director of Dairy Council.
ids.
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“Part of that accountability is ensuring not only that the assembly is fun, but
also that the important messages are delivered to the students,” she adds.
The impact of the assembly does not end once the curtain comes down
at the conclusion of the performance. Teachers are able to integrate the
program, and the classroom materials that Dairy Council provides with it,
into their existing curriculum. In addition. The Marvelous Machine posters
are provided for the school cafeteria, extending the assembly’s message into
the place where children are making food choices.
Mary Beth Will, a 2nd grade teacher at Rheems Elementary School,
is having her students plan daily menus with balanced meals, including
dairy products. She emphasizes the value of the program and the lessons it
teaches the students.
“I loved it... The Marvelous Machine taught the importance of taking care
of your body and showed us how to do it through proper nutrition,” Will says.
While teachers like the assembly and the way it builds onto what they
are teaching in the classroom, it is the students who are most motivated by
what they have learned from The Marvelous Machine.
“The Marvelous Machine made me think about the five food groups and
how I am a machine,” says Chris Jewell, a 3rd grader.
“To be healthier, I want to exercise more and eat nutritious foods”
adds Matt Whipple, also a 3rd grader.
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Dear Actors,
Thank you for the play. I liked the play. I really
liked the little skits. Now I think I'll start eating better
foods. I think that you were funny. I think that you
set some people straight on nutrition. I think that
you should keep on doing what you arc doing. You
guys have a lot of talent and you are brave to act in
front of a tot of people.
f
For information on
The Marvelous Machine Assembly,
Call 1-800-886-9341
Dairy Council, Inc.
The Nutrition Education People
Dairy Council, Inc. is a non-profit nutrition education
organization funded by local dairy farmers.
Sincerely,
Erin Coleman, 9nd Grader