CAFFEINE

• Introduction | The Task | Resources | The Process | Assessment | Conclusion

Introduction

You have been feeling sluggish, have headaches, and just feel like you need a boost: what should you do? The coaches don't allow pop or candy and teachers and parents complain about hyperactive behavior. What is in these foods that creates these behaviors?

The Task

Your task is to find information that will explain the effects caffeine has on the body, both positive and negative. Once you have gathered the information needed about caffeine you will need to determine how beneficial or harmful caffeine really is. Then create a classroom presentation explaining your position.

     In order to complete your project you will need to answer the following questions:

• Where does caffeine come from?
• Caffeine can be found in what foods?
• According to the "Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Americans," what is a healthy diet?
• Does a "healthy" diet include caffeine?
• Identify the food groups and the food groups in which caffeine can be found.
• Does cooking have any effects on caffeine in food?
• Is caffeine a drug?
• Is caffeine found in prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications?
• What is the chemical composition and structure of caffeine?
• What effects does caffeine have on the body? List both positive and negative.
• What risk factors might caffeine cause?
• Does caffeine affect the performance of athletes and musicians?

Resources

   Classroom

• Food for Today by Kowtaluk & Kopan
• Guide to Good Food by Largen & Bence
• The World of Food by Prentice-Hall, Inc.
• Exercise Your Options by the Dairy Council

Caffeine Contents: This site has pictures of molecules and experiments involving caffeine. Samuel Mikes

Caffeine Withdrawal: This site has an article on caffeine withdrawal and other information related to withdrawal from caffeine. Women.com Networks, Inc.

Caffeine, More Links: This site is linked to other specific topics related to caffeine. HealthCentral.com

Frequently asked Questions about Caffeine:  A collaboration of information from numerous sources. Daniel Owen, 1998.

Pure Brew:  New research on caffeine free plants. The decaffing process will be eliminated. Andy Coghlan.

Caffeine Project:  A project by Andrew Shears, 1998

How Caffeine Works: Interesting information on how caffeine works in the body and its effects. Marshall Brain.

Caffeine, Myths and Facts: Make sure you investigate the links within the article. Nov/Dec 1995 Food Insight.

Caffeine and Kids: A new caffeine drink. Channel 6 News Report, DiscoverOmaha.com.

Caffeine Content: A food and drug content chart. CSPI News Release.

Caffeine and the Athlete: Research on caffeine and the athlete with related sites linked. Theresa M. Daley, 1999 Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH.

Caffeine and Pregnancy:  Information on the effects of caffeine and teen pregnancy. COHIS

Caffeine and Pregnancy Don't Mix: An article discussing the effects of caffeine on pregnancy. Rachel Tolman Terry

Clearing Up Caffeine Confusion: This information is written using easy to understand terminology with internal links to other health related information. KidsHealth.

Caffeine: The Inside Scoop: A different perspective. David Schardt and Stephen Schmidt.

A Metasite: This site has links to various topics related to caffeine. Netscape search.

The Process

Students may work in pairs to complete this assignment. You must use two resources that are not online and as many of the online sources as necessary to complete your task. If you find you need a resource other than those listed above you will need to have it approved by the teacher.

In an activity log, you will need to record any information or questions you answered throughout this project.
You will need to keep a log of the resources used and the information found in each. If you use a preapproved site that is not listed you must include the URL in your information.

List the following:

• food groups and identify the groups that contain caffeine
• foods that contain caffeine
• over-the-counter drugs containing caffeine
• prescription drugs containing caffeine
• alternative foods for snacks that do not contain caffeine

Assessment

Activity Log: 50% of Grade

• Neatness
• All questions answered and in complete sentences
• Each site visited must be documented
• Must include the lists described in the process

• Description handed in to teacher
• Discussion of presentation with teacher

• Need to have used two classroom resources
• Must have used a minimum of ten sites

• Must be organized
• Creative
• Physical appearance and poise
• Knowledge of subject area
• Presentation was as described to the teacher

Conclusion

    As a result of this webquest you have discovered the facts about caffeine, its effects on the body, and the potential
    risks of caffeine. You should be able to identify foods that contain caffeine and know which good groups they are in.
    It is now your responsibility to carefully consider the foods you choose to eat and their affects on your health.