Nutrition Detectives

Rebecca Hanna

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Nutrition Detectives

Understand nutrition labels

In this lesson, students will become 'Nutrition Detectives' to uncover the mysteries of nutrition labels. They will learn how to read and interpret these labels to make healthier food choices. This lesson is important as it empowers students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their diet, promoting lifelong healthy eating habits. Additionally, students will apply math skills such as multiplication and division to calculate nutritional information, enhancing their practical math abilities.

Audience

Grade 6 Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand nutrition labels

Materials

Nutrition Labels Worksheet, Discussion Questions, Pens, and Sample Food Packages

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of nutrition and how it affects our health.
Introduce the concept of nutrition labels and their purpose.
Explain that students will become 'Nutrition Detectives' to learn how to read these labels.

Step 2

Label Reading and Math Activity

25 mins

Distribute the 'Nutrition Labels Worksheet' and sample food packages to each student.
Instruct students to examine the nutrition labels on the packages.
Guide them to fill out the worksheet by identifying key components such as serving size, calories, and nutrients.
Introduce the math component:
- Use multiplication to calculate total calories or nutrients for multiple servings.
- Use division to determine the number of servings in a package based on total weight or volume.
Encourage students to compare labels and discuss their findings with a partner.

Step 3

Group Discussion

10 mins

Use the 'Discussion Questions' to facilitate a class discussion.
Encourage students to share their observations and insights from the activity.
Discuss how understanding nutrition labels and applying math skills can help in making healthier food choices.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points learned about nutrition labels and math applications.
Ask students to reflect on how they can use this knowledge in their daily lives.
Thank students for their participation and encourage them to continue exploring nutrition labels at home.

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Worksheet

Nutrition Labels Worksheet

This worksheet will guide students in analyzing nutrition labels from various food packages. It includes questions that prompt students to identify and interpret key information on the labels, and apply math skills to calculate nutritional information.

What is the serving size on the label?

Look for the 'Serving Size' section on the label.

How many calories are in one serving?

Check the 'Calories' section.

List three nutrients found in the food and their amounts.

Look for nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Is there any nutrient that is particularly high or low? Why might this be important?

Consider the daily value percentages.

If you eat 3 servings, how many total calories will you consume?

Use multiplication for this calculation.

If the package contains 10 servings, how many servings are left after eating 4?

Use division for this calculation.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions will help facilitate a class discussion on the importance of understanding nutrition labels and making healthier food choices, while also reflecting on the math skills applied.

Why is it important to understand nutrition labels?

Discuss how labels provide information about the nutritional value of food.

What surprised you the most about the labels you examined?

Encourage students to share any unexpected findings.

How can knowing about nutrition labels help you make healthier choices?

Explore how this knowledge can influence daily eating habits.

How did using math help you understand the nutrition labels better?

Discuss the role of multiplication and division in analyzing nutritional information.