Middle schoolers examine food labels and study serving size and calories.  In this healthy eating lesson plan students complete several activities to understand food labels.

Students study the essential nutrients for our bodies.  In this healthy choices lesson plan students complete several activities which includes research and a presentation. 

Fifth graders discuss the relationship between producers, consumers, and decomposers as they look at the energy pyramid. While working in small groups, they create an ecosystem that includes all or some of the given categories, and they...

In this boy scout merit badge:  cooking instructional activity, 8th graders research the topic using websites listed, answer 8 detailed questions about food safety, the food pyramid, and careers, then plan and prepare several menus,...

A lab activity is a great way to incite thoughtful questioning and scientific processes. Pupils will collect organisms with a Petri dish, make observations, sketch the organism, ask questions, then attempt to identify the specimen...

Students describe the relationship between exercise and health. They name ways to monitor their health and the equipment used to do so. Students name solutions to common health issues and explain why good nutrition and exercise are...

Students comprehend the nutrition benefits whole grain breads. They explore how to overcome the common barriers to eating whole grain bread. Students investigate how to choose and store whole grain breads. They comprehend the...

In this body elements learning exercise, students read about the chemical make-up of the human body and answer questions about the elements.

Students combine different foods to make possible lunches and determine the specific combinations of lunches that can be made from a finite set of foods.

Third graders recognize what constitutes a healthy diet and explore if their diet is healthy.  In this healthy diet lesson, 3rd graders listen read books and explore the food pyramid to find a balanced diet.  Students compare...

Students research eggs including their structure, sizes, grades, nutritional value, functions in recipes, preparation techniques, and storage guidelines. They prepare a recipe including eggs.

Students explore the benefits of peanuts. In this peanut lesson, students explore the nutritional benefits of peanuts as they complete worksheet activities.

Third graders explain the basic healthy eating and physical activity concepts.  In this healthy lifestyles lesson, 3rd graders describe two main components of a healthy lifestyle, demonstrate two different types of physical...

Third graders study a healthy diet. In this healthy diet lesson, 3rd graders investigate the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. Students compare a healthy diet to their personal diet.

How many people live on the planet, anyway? The first resource in a six-part series covers the topic of the world population. Scholars work in groups to conduct research and make population posters after learning about the global...

Young scholars act as decision makers and research and determine the nutritional needs of young children, teenagers, and adults. They compile their findings in a nutrition portfolio. Class groups assume the role of hospital dietician and...

Students create a cookbook.  In this recipe and writing lesson, students brainstorm the skills necessary to follow a recipe, watch a cooking show and write down a recipe used.  Students use a word processing program to write a...

Students develop criteria for a healthy and environmentally friendly breakfast and use these criteria to design a breakfast menu. They use a decision chart to evaluate their choices which is imbedded in this plan.

More than just food and nutrition links can be found in this index of health topics. The USDA's Food and Nutrition Information Center provides access to a world of health information.

A great resource for teachers to help explain the balance between calorie intake and physical activity. There are many student activities that reinforce the need for physical activity in a healthy life style. Included are a teacher's...

The science team investigators at the Why Files published this critique of the government-sponsored food pyramid introduced with the intention of helping Americans learn how to eat nutritionally balanced meals in 1992.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Elementary to middle school students can learn from the resources here about food and nutrition. In particular is a lesson plan and worksheet on the food pyramid guidelines issued by the USDA in 2005.