
Food Allergy Training Module for University Staff
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can university staff create a comprehensive and effective training module that equips them to differentiate between food allergies and food intolerances, respond appropriately to allergic reactions, mitigate risk factors, communicate effectively, and understand the legal/ethical considerations to ensure the safety and well-being of students with food allergies on campus?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the key differences between food allergies and food intolerances, and how can university staff distinguish between them?
- What are the immediate and appropriate steps to take when a student experiences an allergic reaction on campus?
- How can staff members identify and mitigate potential risk factors for allergic reactions in university dining halls and events?
- What role does communication play in managing food allergies within the university environment, and how can staff effectively communicate with students and healthcare providers?
- how to manage food intolerance ?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Participants will be able to differentiate between the signs and symptoms of food allergy and intolerance.
- Participants will be able to identify the risk factors for food allergy and intolerance.
- Participants will be able to recommend appropriate initial nutritional and pharmacological interventions for food allergy and intolerance prior to medical support.
- Participants will know how to respond appropriately to an allergic reaction on campus, including immediate steps and communication protocols.
- Participants will be able to describe legal and ethical considerations for supporting students with food allergies.
Teacher Specified
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Case of the Mysterious Menu
Students receive a seemingly normal university menu, but with hidden clues and ambiguous ingredient lists that could trigger allergic reactions. Working in teams, they must decipher the menu, identify potential allergens, and propose safer alternatives, fostering critical thinking about labeling and cross-contamination.Food Allergy Mythbusters
Present students with a series of common misconceptions and myths surrounding food allergies and intolerances. Through research, expert interviews, and critical analysis, students debunk these myths, building a foundation of accurate knowledge and challenging preconceived notions about food allergies.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Allergy vs. Intolerance: The Diagnostic Deep Dive
Students will investigate the physiological mechanisms, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria that differentiate food allergies from intolerances. They will create a comparative chart highlighting these differences.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive chart that differentiates food allergies and intolerances based on mechanisms, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standard 3: Differentiate between the signs and symptoms of food allergy and intolerance.Risk Factor Radar: Identifying Campus Hotspots
Students will identify and analyze potential risk factors for allergic reactions in various university settings (dining halls, events, etc.). They will develop a risk assessment report with mitigation strategies.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA risk assessment report outlining potential risk factors for food allergies on campus and proposing mitigation strategies.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standard 4: Identify the risk factors for food allergy and intolerance.Rx & Nutrition Navigator: Crafting Initial Response Plans
Students will research and recommend appropriate nutritional and pharmacological interventions for managing food allergy and intolerance symptoms, focusing on initial response prior to medical support.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA staff guide outlining initial nutritional and pharmacological recommendations for managing food allergy and intolerance symptoms prior to professional medical support.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standard 5: Recommend nutritional and pharmacological therapy for food allergy and intolerance.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioFood Allergy & Intolerance Training Module Rubric
Content Accuracy & Differentiation
Focuses on the accuracy of information presented regarding the differences between food allergies and intolerances, including mechanisms, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches.Accuracy of Information
The extent to which the information presented is scientifically accurate and up-to-date.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents flawlessly accurate, current, and comprehensive information on food allergies and intolerances, reflecting in-depth research and understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents mostly accurate and current information with only minor inaccuracies or omissions.
Developing
2 PointsPresents information with some inaccuracies or significant omissions, indicating a need for further research.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents inaccurate, outdated, or significantly incomplete information, demonstrating a lack of understanding.
Differentiation Clarity
The clarity and effectiveness of the module in differentiating between food allergies and intolerances.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an exceptionally clear and insightful comparison of food allergies and intolerances, highlighting nuanced differences in mechanisms, symptoms, and diagnosis.
Proficient
3 PointsClearly differentiates between food allergies and intolerances, covering the key distinctions in mechanisms, symptoms, and diagnosis.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to differentiate between food allergies and intolerances, but the explanation contains some confusion or lacks detail.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to clearly differentiate between food allergies and intolerances, demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding of the differences.
Risk Factor Identification & Mitigation
Evaluates the identification of risk factors in university settings and the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed mitigation strategies.Risk Factor Identification
The thoroughness in identifying potential risk factors for allergic reactions in various university settings.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies a comprehensive range of risk factors across various university settings, demonstrating exceptional foresight and attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies most of the significant risk factors in common university settings.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some risk factors, but overlooks key areas or demonstrates a limited understanding of potential hazards.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify key risk factors or demonstrates a lack of awareness regarding potential hazards in university settings.
Mitigation Strategies
The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed mitigation strategies to reduce allergen exposure.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes highly effective and feasible mitigation strategies that are innovative, practical, and comprehensively address identified risk factors.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes feasible and effective mitigation strategies that address most of the identified risk factors.
Developing
2 PointsProposes some mitigation strategies, but they may be impractical, incomplete, or not fully address the identified risk factors.
Beginning
1 PointsProposes ineffective or unrealistic mitigation strategies, or fails to offer solutions that adequately address the identified risk factors.
Response & Intervention Planning
Assesses the appropriateness and clarity of recommended nutritional and pharmacological interventions, as well as the overall staff guide for initial response strategies.Appropriateness of Recommendations
The extent to which the recommended interventions are appropriate, safe, and aligned with current best practices.
Exemplary
4 PointsRecommends highly appropriate, safe, and innovative interventions that reflect a deep understanding of current best practices and legal/ethical considerations.
Proficient
3 PointsRecommends appropriate and safe interventions aligned with current best practices.
Developing
2 PointsRecommends interventions that are partially appropriate or safe, but may contain some inconsistencies or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsRecommends inappropriate or unsafe interventions, demonstrating a lack of understanding of best practices and potential risks.
Clarity of Staff Guide
The clarity, organization, and usability of the staff guide for initial response strategies.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents an exceptionally clear, concise, and well-organized staff guide that is highly usable and effectively communicates initial response strategies.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and well-organized staff guide that effectively communicates initial response strategies.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a staff guide that is somewhat unclear or disorganized, making it difficult to easily understand and implement initial response strategies.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents a staff guide that is unclear, disorganized, and difficult to use, failing to effectively communicate initial response strategies.