Learning Context
New York State Standards for Health, Physical Education and Home Economics 1 and 3
Students will:
1. have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity and maintain personal health.
2. ...
3. understand and be able to manage their personal community resources.
Objective
Students will be able to identify and recognize six classes of nutrients.
Procedure
Task (10 minutes)
Teacher should have the following on the board or easel prior to student arrival.
When a car runs out of gas, it stops and can no longer run. You must go to a gas station before the car gets stuck to refuel. People need something to power their bodies. They use food. Make a list of 10 healthy foods that you eat that will help you refuel your body and perform both mentally and physically.
Introduction to Lesson (15 minutes)
Teacher begins discussion highlighting the following points:
1. By choosing healthy foods you provide your body with nutrients. Nutrients are substances in food that the body needs in order to work and feel right. Nutrients are our body’s gasoline. Here are some nutrients:
* proteins - nutrients needed for building body cells and repairing damaged cells.
* carbohydrates - nutrients that are the body’s most useful source of energy and fiber.
* fats - nutrients that provide the body with energy and carry different vitamins into the blood.
* vitamins - nutrients from living things that control activities of cells and of the body.
2. Why is it important to learn about nutrients in our food? Let children brainstorm and write on easel or board all the answers.
3. Conclusion: Knowing about the nutrients in the foods they ate helps people make food choices for healthy bodies.
Main Activity (15 minutes)
Students can start the handout in class or do it as a homework assignment.
Total Time
Forty minutes
Materials and Supplies
Teacher handout, blackboard or easel.
Assessment Tools and Techniques
Homework assignment for lesson.
Technology Option
The Department of Health and Human Services has a rich Web site that contains information for children and teachers about related topics. The address is www.hhs.gov/kids/
