Content Area: Health and Physical Education

 

Index: 2.1C Grade 4 CPI 3

 

Standard: 2.1 - Wellness

 

Strand: C - Nutrition

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 3 - The student will interpret food product labels.

 

Grade: 4

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        FOOD FLOW CHART - Students trace the origins of a food product from the initial production by the farmer (e.g., seeding, planting) to the time it appears on their table. Students consider special factors that influence growth, the use of pesticides, packaging and labeling, selling the product, and directions for preparation. A simple product such as corn muffins (from scratch and from a mix) might be appropriate.

Variation: Instead of describing the process in narrative form, students create a time line using pictures or drawings.

Variation: Invite a speaker representing the food industry to discuss issues related to food safety, preparation, or trends.

 

·        WHAT'S IN THE CAN? - You can be easily fooled into thinking that something is healthy when it is really not. Ask students: “Where do you look for information on the ingredients of a product? How do know the nutritional value of the food? Do you read labels on some products and not on others? Why or why not? Where else can you go to get information about the food you eat?” Create a sample label and have students identify its parts (e.g., brand name, name of the product, promotion, ingredients, manufacturer, net weight, additives, directions, cautions). Students answer a series of questions about the make-believe product. Students analyze the information provided on real product labels. Be sure students can identify what ingredients are in the largest amounts, the many names for sugars, and common food additives and preservatives.

Variation: Instead of using food products, use household cleaning products. Supply the class with clean, empty containers of household products and draw attention to warnings, directions, and the appropriate use of such products.