The Metabolic Symphony Program takes an authentic learning approach to allow students to explore life science concepts in the context of relevant, real-world scenarios.
Some lesson activities require digital connectivity; however, the majority are low-tech to provide a respite from screens and encourage interaction and collaboration.
The Program can be delivered in either a low or high-tech classroom or community centre by one or more resident teachers/facilitators; or by a home-schooling parent or carer. The most appropriate student age range is 9 - 13 years depending on numeracy and literacy competence.
The curriculum consists of 21 x 50 minute turnkey lessons that explore human physiology and mindsets for healthy self-management, including:
building a resilient and disciplined mindset towards diet and exercise
explaining how food energy is metabolised
understanding energy balance
comparing the chemistry and nutritional quality of whole food vs processed food
exploring how drinking water, exercising and sleeping can impact metabolism and, in turn, quality of life
managing the stress of everyday life
the health consequences of poor lifestyle
Each 50-minute lesson includes:
The Metabolic Symphony Program originated in Australia and the Lesson Plans initially adhered to the Australian Curriculum. Today, it is available globally.
The human physiology and food science themes reflected in the Program are universal so, in order to align with diverse worldwide curricula, the Key lesson outcomes section in each Lesson Plan provides searchable keywords and phrases to support educators to align their lesson with local curriculum standards.
There is a logical order to some of the lessons to ensure student learning is scaffolded effectively. There are also self-contained lessons that can be introduced at any time, within a variety of learning contexts. Most lessons include a suggested homework activity (optional).
Educators can construct a term program exclusively of Metabolic Symphony lessons or re-purpose the Program collateral and YiYO games to embellish an existing life science education program.
Empowering parents and carers
Education is more immersive and effective when parents and carers are enrolled to reinforce student learning at home.
The Metabolic Symphony Program includes instructions on how to run an introductory information session for families to explain the learning objectives.
Each lesson also includes one or more summary
Life Science Library modules that can be sent home via email or home portal to keep parents and carers up to speed with their child’s new learning.
Life Science Library
The Metabolic Symphony Program has been packaged into a series of easy-to-read online modules for the general population to enjoy. Each module includes a downloadable A4 flyer and interactive activity that a teen or adult can use to engage with a child and confidently transfer their new learning.
Click to view the Life Science Library.
In the classroom context, Life Science Library (LSL) modules are included in the Metabolic Symphony Program Lessons with the intent they are sent home to help enrol parents and carers in the lifestyle management principles that students are learning in the Program.
If you would like to know more about how your brain and body works, opt in to our eNewsletter and receive one new LSL module FREE each month, plus the latest scientific news and tips for healthy living.
Don’t want to wait for the emails?
The entire Catalogue (24 modules) may be purchased separately ($9.95 each) or as a set ($195).
Metabolic Symphony Program Support
We are keen to support school, community and home educators.
10% discount on all purchases made
FREE access to the:
support ‘hotline’ to get questions answered and receive professional coaching to optimise delivery of the Program
moderated discussion board to share tips and tricks with other educators, parents and carers
the Metabolic Symphony monthly eNewsletter containing a FREE Life Science Library module and lifestyle management strategies to share in the classroom and at home
automatic update of Lessons and Life Science Library modules when information changes.
Gamified lifestyle education
The YiYO card games are embedded into the Metabolic Symphony Program curriculum to reinforce student learning around the importance of maintaining nutritional quality and energy balance every day.
The YiYO games can be played for fun at home or school by children, teens and adults; or be integrated into an existing teaching program to rehearse healthy lifestyle principles.
Through the games, players learn that we each need a certain amount of food energy to function each day, however, the caloric value alone is not useful when deciding what, when or how much to eat.
The YiYO games, in tandem with the Metabolic Symphony Program curriculum, focus on the nutritional quality of food and the balancing impact of water and exercise in maintaining healthy metabolic function.
YiYO Junior (5 years +)
A simple matching game that helps players appreciate the amount of energy they take in, by aligning food items (Yi) with physical activities (YO) of equivalent energy output.
The cards contain information about the nutritional quality of different foods, including added sugar, fruit and vegetable servings and dietary fibre.
Colour coding guides players on energy density and consumption frequency
2 - 4 players
Play in kilojoules only
See the How to Play instructions for more details.
YiYO (12 years +)
Players compete to achieve the smallest differential between energy consumed (Yi) and energy burned (YO) over the course of one day. The pressure is on to choose healthy food and do enough exercise. To win the game, players must fulfil minimum dietary requirements (2 fruit and 5 vegetable serves) and drink plenty of water (minimum 6 glasses).
Players can trade cards with others and must successfully negotiate a variety of everyday scenarios that will test their resolve to live a healthy day.
3 - 6 players
Play in kilojoules or calories
See the How to Play instructions for more details.