Nutrition Rational:

Kira Solt, Jill Rex, Madelyn Koch

This unit of “Nutrition” is designed for 4th grade. The unit will integrate many different
ways to make healthy choices, taking care of your body, being aware of what you take into your
body; while teaching students how these things can affect their overall well being in a positive
and negative way.

Students will participate in a variety of activities to broaden their understanding of

nutrition. The students will be introduced to food labels and nutrition facts; the students will be
looking at labels from different foods or snacks and learn how to read and understand each
component in the labels, students will learn about the food pyramid and MyPlate to understand
recommended amount of food intake per food group by showing what foods they should have
on a daily basis, then they will be shown how much is actually in a portion size from a variety of
snacks and foods, they will then measure how many cups of added sugar is actually in everyday
drinks, and learning the different kinds of fast foods and their effects.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standard, 10.1.6.C. - Analyze
nutritional concepts that impact health. Caloric content of foods, relationship of food intake and
physical activity (energy output), nutrient requirements, label reading, healthful food selection
and avoiding fast foods. In addition, PDESAS 10.1.3.C. -Explain the role of the food guide
pyramid in helping people eat healthy. Learning about food groups, number of servings, variety
of foods, and nutrients. Students will be engaged and actively participate in class discussions
and group work, they will use interactive food pyramid activities, reading food labels,
understanding and measuring portion sizes and amounts of sugars in drinks.
When the unit is complete, the students will be able to list and describe the different
components of food labels and calorie intake, understanding the food pyramid and appropriate
portion sizes, learn about good and bad foods and drinks including added sugar in drinks and
fast foods. This content is important in teaching students how to take care of their bodies and
how to be mindful in what they are putting into their bodies to benefit their overall well being.

Day 1: Reading and understanding food labels

Day 2: Food Pyramid and MyPlate
Day 3: Portion Sizes
Day 4: Sugar in Drinks
Day 5: Fast Food