Warm-Up: What's Your Fuel?

Think about what you ate for your last meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner).

Now, reflect on this: How do you think that food helps your body?

Teacher Script: Fuel Your Amazing!

Warm-Up: What's Your Fuel? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick things off today, I want you to think about what you ate for your last meal – maybe breakfast this morning, or lunch, or even dinner last night. Just take a moment to recall."

Pause for students to think.

Teacher: "Now, put on your scientist hats! How do you think that food helps your body? What 'job' does it do? Feel free to share your ideas with a partner, or if you're ready, you can share with the whole class."

Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging 2-3 students to share their initial thoughts. Connect their ideas to energy, growth, or staying healthy. Refer to the Warm-Up: What's Your Fuel? material.

Teacher: "Excellent ideas! Today, we're going to answer a big question: 'How does food fuel our amazing bodies?' By the end of this lesson, you'll be nutrient navigators, understanding what your body needs to thrive!"

Introduction to Essential Nutrients (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's start by looking at our Nutrient Power-Up Slides."

Advance to Slide 2: What are Nutrients?

Teacher: "So, what exactly are nutrients? They're special substances found in food that your body absolutely needs to function. Think of them like the fuel, building blocks, and repair crew for your body. Without them, your body wouldn't be able to grow, get energy, or even fight off sickness. They help you grow taller, give you energy to run and play, and keep you healthy and strong!"

Advance to Slide 3: The Big Six: Essential Nutrients

Teacher: "There are six main types of these amazing nutrients, and we're going to meet each one today! They are Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals, and Water. Each one has a very important and unique job to do to keep you feeling your best."

Nutrient Deep Dive & Examples (15 minutes)

Advance to Slide 4: 1. Carbohydrates: Energy Powerhouses! ⚡

Teacher: "First up are Carbohydrates. These are your body's main source of quick energy! Think about when you need to run fast, or focus in class – carbohydrates give you that immediate boost. Great sources include whole grains like oats and brown rice, fruits like apples and bananas, and vegetables like potatoes and corn. Can you think of any other foods that give us energy, which might be good sources of carbohydrates?"

Allow 1-2 student responses.

Advance to Slide 5: 2. Proteins: Building Blocks & Repair Crew 👷

Teacher: "Next, we have Proteins. If carbohydrates are the energy, then proteins are the builders! They help your body grow, build strong muscles, and even repair tissues when you get a cut or bruise. You'll find lots of protein in foods like chicken, fish, beans, lentils, eggs, and dairy products. Why do you think growing kids especially need a lot of protein?"

Allow 1-2 student responses.

Advance to Slide 6: 3. Fats: Long-Lasting Energy & Brain Boosters 🧠

Teacher: "Now, let's talk about Fats. Sometimes fats get a bad reputation, but healthy fats are super important! They provide long-lasting energy, help keep you warm, and are absolutely crucial for your brain to work its best. Good sources include avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and some fish like salmon. It's all about choosing the right kinds of fats, in the right amounts."

Advance to Slide 7: 4. Vitamins: Your Body's Helpers! ✨

Teacher: "Moving on to the tiny but mighty Vitamins! These are like your body's little helpers. They don't give you energy directly, but they make sure everything else works correctly. They keep your immune system strong so you don't get sick, help your eyes see, and your bones grow. You can find them in almost all healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Think oranges for Vitamin C, or leafy greens for Vitamin K! Don't forget, some Vitamin D comes from sunlight too!"

Allow 1-2 student responses.

Advance to Slide 8: 5. Minerals: Strong Bones & Healthy Blood 🩸

Teacher: "Similar to vitamins, Minerals are also essential helpers. They do things like build strong bones and teeth – think calcium in milk – and help carry oxygen in your blood, like iron found in meats and leafy greens. They even help your heart beat! Where else might you find minerals in your diet?"

Allow 1-2 student responses.

Advance to Slide 9: 6. Water: The Ultimate Hydrator! 💧

Teacher: "Finally, and arguably the MOST important, is Water! Your body is mostly water, and it's involved in almost every single process. It carries nutrients to your cells, helps regulate your body temperature, and flushes out waste. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is key to feeling energetic and healthy. Besides drinking water, what foods do you know that have a lot of water in them?"

Allow 1-2 student responses.

Distribute the Nutrient Navigator Worksheet.

Teacher: "Now that we've explored all six essential nutrients, I'm handing out the Nutrient Navigator Worksheet. You can start filling it out as we go, or work on it individually or with a partner. This will help you organize what we've learned."

Food Group Frenzy Game (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, scientists, time to test your nutrient knowledge with our Food Group Frenzy Game!"

Explain the game rules: "I'm going to show you a food item, and your challenge is to quickly identify which primary nutrient group it belongs to. We can play this in small groups, or as a whole class with teams. The goal is to be quick and accurate!"

Facilitate the game using the food items you've prepared or from the game material. Keep it energetic and use the Food Group Frenzy Answer Key to verify answers.

Teacher: "Great job, everyone! Was there any food that surprised you with its nutrient category? Or any that was tricky?"

Allow 1-2 student comments.

Cool-Down: Daily Fuel Journal (5 minutes)

Advance to Slide 10: Recap: All Together Now!

Teacher: "We've covered a lot about how food fuels our amazing bodies. Remember, each nutrient has a special job, and eating a variety of foods gives your body everything it needs to be amazing!"

Distribute the Daily Fuel Journal prompt.

Teacher: "For our cool-down, I'd like you to take a moment to reflect in your Daily Fuel Journal. Think about one new thing you learned today about nutrients. How might this new knowledge influence the food choices you make for the rest of today or this week?"

Collect journals or have students share reflections with a partner.

Teacher: "Fantastic work today, nutrient navigators! I hope you feel empowered to make great choices for your amazing bodies!"

Nutrient Navigator Worksheet

Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________

Directions: As we learn about each essential nutrient, fill in the blanks with its main job and a few food examples.

1. Carbohydrates

• Main Job: Your body's primary source of ____________________.
• Food Examples:

  1. ---

  2. ---

  3. ---

2. Proteins

• Main Job: Helps your body ____________________ and repair ____________________.
• Food Examples:

  1. ---

  2. ---

  3. ---

3. Fats

• Main Job: Provides long-term ____________________ and is important for your ____________________.
• Food Examples:

  1. ---

  2. ---

  3. ---

4. Vitamins

• Main Job: Tiny but mighty ____________________ that help your body function properly (e.g., strong immune system, healthy eyes).
• Food Examples:

  1. ---

  2. ---

  3. ---

5. Minerals

• Main Job: Essential for building strong ____________________ and ____________________, and other body functions.
• Food Examples:

  1. ---

  2. ---

  3. ---

6. Water

• Main Job: The ultimate ____________________! Carries nutrients, regulates temperature, removes waste.
• Food Examples:

  1. ---

  2. ---

  3. ---

Challenge Question:

Why is it important to eat a variety of foods instead of just focusing on one type of nutrient? Explain in 2-3 sentences.

Food Group Frenzy Game!

Objective:

Quickly identify the primary nutrient group for various food items!

Materials Needed:

• Food Item Cards/Images (provided below, or you can use your own pictures/flashcards)
• Whiteboard or chart paper to keep score (optional)
• Timer (optional)

How to Play:

1. Preparation: Cut out the food item cards below, or display them one by one on the screen.
2. Teams (Optional): Divide the class into 2-4 teams, or play as a whole class.
3. The Challenge: The teacher will present a food item. Teams/students must shout out or write down (depending on how you play) the primary nutrient group that food belongs to.
4. Scoring (Optional):
   • First correct answer gets a point.
   • Discuss briefly why it belongs to that group.
5. Let the Frenzy Begin!

Food Item Cards (Cut out or display these one by one):

---START CARDS---

Food Item: Apple
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Chicken Breast
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Brown Rice
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Avocado
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Spinach
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Milk
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Orange
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Salmon
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Beans
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Watermelon
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Whole Wheat Bread
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---CUT HERE---

Food Item: Eggs
Primary Nutrient Group: __________________________

---END CARDS---

Food Group Frenzy Answer Key

For the Food Group Frenzy Game:

Food Item: Apple
Primary Nutrient Group: Carbohydrates (and Vitamins, Water)

Food Item: Chicken Breast
Primary Nutrient Group: Proteins

Food Item: Brown Rice
Primary Nutrient Group: Carbohydrates

Food Item: Avocado
Primary Nutrient Group: Fats (and Vitamins, Minerals)

Food Item: Spinach
Primary Nutrient Group: Vitamins (and Minerals, Water)

Food Item: Milk
Primary Nutrient Group: Proteins (and Fats, Carbohydrates, Minerals like Calcium)

Food Item: Orange
Primary Nutrient Group: Vitamins (especially Vitamin C, and Carbohydrates, Water)

Food Item: Salmon
Primary Nutrient Group: Proteins (and Fats, Vitamins)

Food Item: Beans
Primary Nutrient Group: Proteins (and Carbohydrates, Minerals)

Food Item: Watermelon
Primary Nutrient Group: Water (and Carbohydrates, Vitamins)

Food Item: Whole Wheat Bread
Primary Nutrient Group: Carbohydrates

Food Item: Eggs
Primary Nutrient Group: Proteins (and Fats, Vitamins, Minerals)


# Nutrient Navigator Worksheet Answer Key

Directions: As we learn about each essential nutrient, fill in the blanks with its main job and a few food examples.

1. Carbohydrates

• Main Job: Your body's primary source of energy.
• Food Examples:
  1. Whole grains (e.g., oats, brown rice)
  2. Fruits (e.g., apples, bananas)
  3. Vegetables (e.g., potatoes, corn)

2. Proteins

• Main Job: Helps your body grow and repair tissues.
• Food Examples:
  1. Meat (e.g., chicken, beef)
  2. Fish (e.g., salmon, tuna)
  3. Beans, lentils, nuts

3. Fats

• Main Job: Provides long-term energy and is important for your brain.
• Food Examples:
  1. Avocados, nuts, seeds
  2. Olive oil, fish
  3. Dairy products (in moderation)

4. Vitamins

• Main Job: Tiny but mighty helpers that help your body function properly (e.g., strong immune system, healthy eyes).
• Food Examples:
  1. Fruits (e.g., oranges, berries)
  2. Vegetables (e.g., leafy greens)
  3. Sunlight (for Vitamin D), some fortified foods

5. Minerals

• Main Job: Essential for building strong bones and teeth, and other body functions.
• Food Examples:
  1. Dairy (e.g., milk, yogurt)
  2. Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale)
  3. Meats, nuts, seeds

6. Water

• Main Job: The ultimate hydrator! Carries nutrients, regulates temperature, removes waste.
• Food Examples:
  1. Drinking water
  2. Fruits (e.g., watermelon, strawberries)
  3. Vegetables (e.g., cucumber, lettuce)

Challenge Question:

Why is it important to eat a variety of foods instead of just focusing on one type of nutrient? Explain in 2-3 sentences.

Answer: It is important to eat a variety of foods because each nutrient group performs different, essential jobs in the body. No single food provides all the nutrients we need. By eating a diverse diet, we ensure our bodies receive all the necessary carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water to grow, have energy, and stay healthy.

Daily Fuel Journal: My Nutrient Reflection

Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________

Reflect on what you learned today about essential nutrients. Then, answer the following questions:

1. What is one new or surprising thing you learned about nutrients and how they fuel your body?

2. How might this new knowledge influence the food choices you make for the rest of today or this week? Give a specific example.