Nutrition Explorers

Amber Henry

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Nutrition Explorers

Understand food groups and balanced diet

In this lesson, students will explore the fundamentals of healthy eating by analyzing different food groups and understanding the benefits of a balanced diet. They will engage in an interactive activity to plan a healthy meal, reinforcing their understanding of nutrition basics. This lesson is important as it equips students with the knowledge to make healthier food choices, promoting lifelong wellness and preventing diet-related health issues.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Understand food groups and balanced diet

Materials

Food Group Chart, Healthy Meal Planning Worksheet, Discussion Questions, Markers, and Paper

Step 1

Introduction to Nutrition

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about nutrition.
Introduce the concept of food groups and balanced diet.
Show a Food Group Chart and explain each group briefly.

Step 2

Exploring Food Groups

15 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Assign each group a food group to explore.
Provide markers and paper for students to create a poster about their assigned food group.
Have each group present their poster to the class.

Step 3

Healthy Meal Planning Activity

20 mins

Distribute the Healthy Meal Planning Worksheet.
Instruct students to plan a balanced meal using the worksheet.
Encourage them to include items from each food group.
Walk around to assist and provide feedback.

Step 4

Class Discussion

10 mins

Use the Discussion Questions to facilitate a conversation about the importance of a balanced diet.
Encourage students to share their meal plans and discuss the choices they made.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points about food groups and balanced diets.
Ask students to reflect on one new thing they learned about nutrition today.

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Reading

Food Group Chart

A visual chart that categorizes different types of foods into their respective groups. This chart will be used to help students understand the different food groups and their importance in a balanced diet.

Food Groups

Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries, etc.
Vegetables: Carrots, spinach, broccoli, etc.
Grains: Bread, rice, pasta, etc.
Protein: Meat, beans, nuts, etc.
Dairy: Milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.

Each group provides essential nutrients that are important for health and well-being.

Worksheet

Healthy Meal Planning Worksheet

This worksheet guides students in planning a balanced meal by selecting items from each food group. It reinforces the concept of a balanced diet and helps students apply their knowledge practically.

List one food item from each food group that you would include in your meal.

Think about what you learned from the Food Group Chart.

Explain why you chose these items for your meal.

Consider the nutrients each food provides.

Discussion

Nutrition Discussion Questions

A set of questions designed to facilitate a class discussion on the importance of a balanced diet and healthy eating habits.

Why is it important to eat a balanced diet?

Discuss how a balanced diet provides essential nutrients and energy.

What challenges might people face in maintaining a balanced diet?

Consider factors like availability, cost, and personal preferences.

How can you make healthier food choices in your daily life?

Encourage students to think about small changes they can make.