Activity Title -Nutrition and the Food Guide Pyramid

Goal/Objective

Student will gain knowledge of good nutritional habits and learn the health value of a well balanced diet.

Lesson Outline
Introduction

Nutrition is the study of the foods or nutrients our bodies need. Discuss how poor nutrition can cause health problems such as high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, strokes, depression, and many other serious illnesses.

Activity

Provide students with the Nutrients chart and Food Guide Pyramid. Review the vocabulary words withStudents. Have students prepare a list of all foods eaten on the previous day. Each student should identify nutrients consumed on the previous day and the benefit received from the good food sources. Have students calculate and determine if their choices on the previous day met the daily minimum allowance for the Food Guide Pyramid.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Divide students into four groups. Have each group generate a menu for seven days. Example: group 1 prepares the breakfast menu, group 2 prepares the snack menu, and so on. Students should use calculators and ensure that they have included the daily allowances of the Food Guide Pyramid.

Materials, Text, Realia, Handouts

• Handouts
• USDA Food Guide Pyramid
• Nutrients Chart
• Paper, pen, and pencils
• Calculator

Extension Activity

Have students write an essay about how poor eating habits can lead to poor health.

ESE Accommodations

Provide students with USDA Food Guide Pyramid.Provide students with Nutritional Chart.Allow students to work in groups.

Real-Life Connection

We eat and shop for food everyday. It is a good thing to be informed about nutrients our bodies need, and how to make the best choices when grocery shopping and eating.

Activity Title Nutrition and the Food Guide Pyramid

Introduction

Ask: Do you believe that eating healthy can improve our health and prevent disease?
Ask: Will this lesson make a difference when you are planning your menu for you and your family?
Say: When we eat better, we feel better, and we can concentrate better.

Main Activity

Have students identify foods on the Food Guide Pyramid and plan additional menus for themselves and their families. Since we like to eat out,Students can look at the Food Guide Pyramid and determine what foods they can eat from their favorite restaurants. Have students share their information with the class.

Closure/Conclusion

Now that we have learned about nutrients for our bodies, and the foods we need to maintain good health, let's put this knowledge to good use.

Follow-up Lessons/Activities