Task

Final Research Project

During this unit, you'll be completing your final project. There are options to complete this research project individually or as a group; your teacher will determine which option your class will use.

In this research project, you will research and evaluate types of technology used in delivering dietary planning and nutritional services and prepare a slide show presentation of your findings. In every lesson throughout this unit, you should be working on this project; however, these are not the only assignments in Unit 4.

Depending on how you will complete this project, read over the appropriate project overview. This will give you information about the project's scope, expectations, and assignments.

First Steps

In this lesson, there is not a graded assignment for the project. However, that doesn't mean you won't be working on it yet!

Individual Option – Step 1:

  1. Read Unit 4 Nutrition and Technology Project Overview – Individual. Print and/or save a copy in your class notes.
  2. Read the 'Beginning Your Research' section below and start exploring!
  3. Brainstorm and think of project ideas. You don't have anything to turn in during this lesson. However, you should begin planning how you will complete your research project.
  4. Email your teacher if you need assistance.

Group Option – Step 1:

  1. Read Unit 4 Nutrition and Technology Project Overview – Group. Print and/or save a copy in your class notes.
  2. Read the 'Beginning Your Research' section below and start exploring!
  3. Go to the Unit 4 Group Work Discussion. In every lesson throughout this unit, your group should communicate with one another on this discussion board. You should use that space to share ideas, content, feedback, and completed work.
    • On the Unit 4 Group Work Discussion, introduce yourself to your group. You should respond to your group members only and begin sharing project ideas.
    • Your group members should also choose which role you would like to do for the project. Everyone will be a researcher but you need to determine which person will be the:
      • Assembler: This person will put the slide show together from your posted first draft. They get to choose the background, fonts, style, etc. of the presentation.
      • Proofreader: This person checks the spelling and grammar, adjusts text alignment in the presentation, and makes sure all names are on the title slide. Also, he or she checks to see if there is a title slide at the beginning, a title on every slide, and a Works Cited or References slide at the end.
      • Citation Checker: This person makes sure all references are in MLA format.

Beginning Your Research

Here are some resources for you to look at to begin your research. Keep in mind, you are looking for nutrition software analysis tools used by professional dietitians.

You can read the USDA Approved Nutrient Analysis Software article which lists the USDA approved programs that meet the stringent standards set by Food and Nutrition Services.

Nutrition Analysis Software lists and compares a group of nutrition analysis software used by professional dietitians. It allows you to choose up to 4 programs to compare features and cost. Keep in mind though, that this company makes its money from the publishers of the software they present to you (which you can find that out at the bottom of websites under the "About Us" link). This is a great place to start!