Background: The Metabolic Symphony Program is a novel, interactive lifestyle disease prevention program that educates children and teenagers about their metabolism using the principle of energy balance to promote a healthy lifestyle. It was developed in partnership with health and education specialists in response to increasing childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly in Aboriginal children. The program provides teachers with lesson plans and resources that lay out the energy story in a fun and logical way. Cartoon characters represent the metabolic process and make complex concepts more memorable. Students learn how to interpret food product information and workshop healthy lifestyle principles with energy balance as the core objective.

Aim: To deliver the program at a mainstream and an Indigenous primary school to evaluate student/teacher response to lessons and resources. A secondary aim was to verify alignment with student academic abilities and to the Australian national curriculum. Adaptations for Indigenous children, following earlier remote area school trials, were also being tested.

Method: 10 x 1 hour lessons were delivered, once per week, over one school term with content tailored for 3 age ranges (6-7, 8-9, 10-11yrs). Student engagement was observed to see if the delivery method was appropriate for their age and academic abilities. Teachers provided written and oral feedback, while students were interviewed on camera to assess their comprehension of key messages. Knowledge retention was also tested with regular oral and written quizzes.

Results: 150 students participated (50 Aboriginal). Teachers confirmed that 90% of the materials were on target and areas where the content needed adjustment, such as simplification or changes in delivery method, were clearly identified. As anticipated, younger students absorbed the concepts through drawing, games and music, while older students engaged with quizzes and discussion. Positive changes in lunchboxes and hydration habits were also observed.

Conclusion: Evaluation demonstrated that delivery methods, at various age and academic levels, were largely appropriate and that the content aligned with the national curriculum. Additionally, the children were genuinely interested in the topic and, with appropriate delivery, were capable of understanding energy balance and its relevance to their future health.