Electronic diaries include personal evaluations of activities and progress, and a perceived level of exertion scale is used, and comparisons made, by viewing both the diary and the spreadsheet. For example, students view the growth and development of an embryo or a working heart on screen while listening to facts as they move through the process. Nutrition and healthy eating units incorporate software that allows students to modify traditional recipes, track nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Many of these applications collate data for the entire class so teachers can print reports that compare groups. Another application that is very useful in determining health behaviors and risks is the health risk appraisal.
Students respond to a computer-based survey that questions their eating, exercise and safety habits.
An appraisal report is generated based on national averages, and health risks are immediately available. This is a very powerful tool for teachers as well as parents. Titles of these programs include Nutritionist, Diet Analyst and The Human Body. Many state health departments provide the health risk appraisal software free of charge. Students are challenged by quizzes that test their knowledge, and the simulations let them apply their knowledge and make choices in non-judgmental hypothetical situations.