Nutrition Detectives

Lyndsey Garvin

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Nutrition Detectives

Analyze food labels for informed choices

In this lesson, students will become 'Nutrition Detectives' by analyzing food labels to make informed dietary choices. This lesson is important as it empowers students with the knowledge to understand how nutrition affects their physical health and lifestyle, fostering lifelong healthy habits.

Audience

4th-6th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Analyze food labels for informed choices

Materials

Food labels (real or printed), Worksheet: Food Label Analysis, Discussion Guide: Nutrition and Health, Poster paper and markers, and Pens and pencils

Step 1

Introduction to Food Labels

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what food labels are and why they are important.
Explain the key components of a food label: serving size, calories, nutrients, and ingredients.
Show examples of food labels and highlight these components.

Step 2

Food Label Analysis Activity

20 mins

Distribute the 'Food Label Analysis' worksheet and food labels to each student or group.
Instruct students to analyze the food labels using the worksheet, focusing on identifying serving sizes, calories, and key nutrients.
Encourage students to compare different labels and discuss their findings with peers.

Step 3

Group Activity: Poster-Making

20 mins

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with poster paper and markers.
Instruct each group to create a poster that highlights the key findings from their food label analysis.
Encourage creativity in presenting information such as serving sizes, calories, nutrients, and any surprising ingredients.
Have each group present their poster to the class, explaining their analysis and conclusions.

Step 4

Discussion: Making Informed Choices

10 mins

Use the 'Nutrition and Health' discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about how to make informed dietary choices based on food labels.
Discuss the impact of different nutrients on health and lifestyle.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on how they can apply this knowledge in their daily lives.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points learned about food labels and nutrition.
Ask students to reflect on one new thing they learned and how they might use it.
Thank students for their participation and encourage them to continue being 'Nutrition Detectives' at home.

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Worksheet

Food Label Analysis Worksheet

This worksheet guides students through analyzing food labels to identify key nutritional information and make informed dietary choices.

What is the serving size of the product?

How many calories are in one serving?

List three key nutrients found in the product and their amounts.

Are there any ingredients you recognize or don't recognize? List them.

Based on the label, would you consider this a healthy choice? Why or why not?

Discussion

Nutrition and Health Discussion Guide

This guide helps facilitate a discussion on how nutrition affects health and how to make informed dietary choices.

Why is it important to read food labels?

Discuss how food labels provide essential information about what we consume.

What nutrients should we look for to maintain a healthy diet?

Guide students to think about essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fibers.

How can understanding food labels help us make better food choices?

Encourage students to consider how knowledge of labels can influence their eating habits.