An Innovative Educational Approach to Teach High School Students the Physiologic Mechanisms and Nutrition Concepts Associated with the Development of Obesity.

An interdisciplinary team-teaching session was introduced to high school students who participated in the Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) Future Physician Summer Enrichment Program (FPSEP). The session aimed to integrate physiological concepts and nutrition that are associated with development of obesity. Foundational information about the different food ingredients, physiology of the gastrointestinal organ system followed by concepts associated with the development of obesity and its complications were introduced. The session was delivered using combined educational approaches such as dialogical-narrative approach and hands-on application activities. Overall, the session was perceived very well by high school students. This innovative approach offered several benefits. It promoted critical thinking, practical skills development, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Students engaged in active learning, connected theoretical concepts with real-world scenarios, and had the opportunity to develop a sense of personal responsibility towards maintaining their health. We believe that using combined educational approaches in team-teaching sessions promote inclusiveness, interactive engagement and enhance long-life learning. Key words: high school education, innovation, physiology, nutrition, obesity.