The Whole Health Quest: A Hands-On Journey to Wellness
The Whole Health Quest: A Hands-On Journey to Wellness
At Acton Academy, we kicked off 2025 with an exciting challenge—The Whole Health Quest. Over six weeks, learners explored what it really means to be healthy, looking at everything from physical fitness and nutrition to mental well-being and disease prevention.
What started with a simple question—"What is healthy food?"—turned into an engaging, hands-on journey through the human body. The quest wrapped up with a big Health Fair Exhibition, where learners shared what they had discovered with their families and the community.
Learning the Basics of Health
Our learners in the Discovery/Growth Studio started by learning about the human body. In the first week, they built 3D models, labeled major body systems, and discussed how they all work together. They asked big questions like, "Is one system more important than the others?" and expanded their definition of health to include mental and emotional well-being.
By the second week, the focus turned to food and digestion. Learners studied nutrition labels, debated whether schools should allow sugary foods, and built models of the digestive system. With guidance from guest speaker Henry GaFai Lee from Juice+, they compared whole foods and processed foods. They also kept food journals to track how different meals affected their energy.
Digging Deeper Into Wellness
At the halfway point, learners explored the circulatory and respiratory systems. They built lung models, tracked their heart rates before and after exercise, and discussed how air quality affects lung health.
Week four was all about movement and mental health. Learners experimented with different types of exercise—strength, endurance, and flexibility—and kept journals to see how movement affected their mood. They also practiced mindfulness through breathing exercises and guided meditation.
In week five, learners focused on first aid and disease prevention. With guest expert Melisa, a nurse practitioner, they learned basic first aid, created personal first aid kits, and practiced emergency response drills. They even used Glo-Germ technology to see how germs spread and wrote creative stories where immune system cells fought off infections like superheroes.
The Health Fair Exhibition
In the final week, learners showcased their knowledge at the Health Fair Exhibition. Adventure Studio learners gave presentations on key health topics, including:
The Science of Sleep: One learner explored the importance of sleep, explaining its impact on cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The presentation covered the stages of sleep, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene.
Nutrition and Energy Balance: Another learner dove into nutrition, emphasizing the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in maintaining energy levels and long-term health. Using visual aids and real-world comparisons, they highlighted the dangers of processed foods and the benefits of a balanced diet.
Understanding Crohn’s Disease: The third presentation focused on Crohn’s disease, detailing its symptoms, causes, and treatments. The learner shared personal research on how gut health influences immune function and how dietary choices can support individuals managing chronic conditions.
Learners also created interactive stations:
Digestive Science Booth – A working digestion model showing how food is broken down.
Fitness Stations – Guests tested their endurance, balance, and flexibility.
First Aid Demonstrations – Learners taught families basic wound care and CPR.
The event was a huge success! Learners confidently shared their projects, answered questions, and showed off practical health skills.
Learning From the Experts
A big highlight of the quest was hearing from professionals in the health field:
Jasmine Craner from Active Edge Chiropractic – Introduced the importance of spinal alignment and posture, teaching stretching techniques to maintain musculoskeletal health.
Henry GaFai Lee from Juice+ – Emphasized the role of nutrition in maintaining a healthy digestive system, guiding learners through food comparisons.
Melisa Raudales, Nurse Practitioner – Provided hands-on first aid training, covering wound care, CPR basics, and emergency response techniques.
Dr. Kari Brown Budde from Refined Run – Discussed exercise science and guided learners through mobility exercises for injury prevention.
Dr. Paige Guthiel (DO) – Delivered an insightful talk on holistic health, covering physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and the role of mindfulness and hydration in daily wellness.
Lasting Lessons
The Whole Health Quest wasn’t just about learning facts—it was about real-world skills and lifelong habits. Learners came away with:
A deeper understanding of how their daily choices affect their health.
Practical skills like first aid, meal planning, and stress management.
Confidence in teaching others about wellness.
Looking back, this journey was more than just a school project. Learners took ownership of their health and built habits that will stay with them for years.
Moving Forward
The Whole Health Quest was a perfect example of how hands-on learning can make a real impact. From building body models to leading fitness demonstrations, our learners embraced every challenge with curiosity and enthusiasm.
At Acton Academy Columbus, we believe education is about more than just knowledge—it’s about what you do with it. The Whole Health Quest proved that when learners take charge of their own education, they grow in ways that go far beyond the classroom.
We can’t wait to see where their next adventure takes them!