The purpose of this integrated research, education and Extension project, is to create behaviorial changes in youth that prevents foodborne illness, through engaging computer-based An understanding of the food safety knowledge and skills of youth, coupled with an understanding of effective educational approaches for middle school children (e.g., focus on real life tasks, use of learner-paced active learning can enable youth to gain vital safe food handling skills. Little attention has been given to children and teen's understanding of food handling knowledge and skills, despite their interest in studying food safety, interest in food preparation for themselves and their families, growing responsibilities related to family food shopping and preparation, and future adulthood roles as caregivers for household members such as infants, young children, and elderly parents. Non Technical Summary Surveys indicate that consumers frequently mishandle food, though most research has focused on adults.
