It's easy enough to put energy in, but not so easy to use it up! Look at food labels with your young learners and help them understand the concept of calories in and calories out. Food eaten means calories in and exercise means calories...

How many calories are needed each day? What foods have good calories? What happens to calories that don't get used? How many calories are in the different kinds of foods and drinks? How many calories do I need to do a certain activity?...

All physical activity requires energy. The more vigorous the physical activity, the more energy required to perform the activity. Sitting around requires energy. What? Yes, there are still physical things happening in the body, like...

It's disturbing to think that one third of children born after the year 2000 will suffer from diabetes and perhaps be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents! Too many youngsters are not eating properly and are not...

Young learners take a look at what they eat in one day and compare it to how much physical activity they do on that same day. Point out that this is only a one-day glimpse at balancing the energy going in and what energy being used. They...

Students plan a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. In this Thanksgiving lesson, students compare and contrast the first Thanksgiving to Thanksgiving celebrations today. Students plan a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and research the costs...

What are some of the benefits of physical activity? Young learners take a look at not just the physical benefits, but also the emotional and social benefits of being physically active. There is a heart rate activity to count their...

Seven pages of fascinating reading on marine debris preface the activities in this lesson plan. Four different activities are employed to simulate how the debris is distributed in the ocean and along beaches. Early ecology learners...

Students define what constitutes a nutritious meal, the price of a healthy meal, and understand that some people can't afford healthy meals. In this healthy meals lesson, students estimate and research the cost of a nutritious meal, add...

Fourth graders examine the food labels on two similar items that are very different nutritionally such as a can of regular soda and a can of diet soda. Next they, sort through food labels to determine healthy and unhealthy foods by...

Students create a menu based on the nutritious choices they pick out from MyPyramid and the video they watch. In this nutrition lesson plan, students describe what each color band on the pyramid represents, use charts, discuss nutrition...

Young scholars identify nutritious meals and the prices of a healthy meal. In this nutritious meals lesson, students work in small groups and plan a menu for a nutritious meal. Young scholars figure the total cost of the meal and collect...

Students bring cans of food to class to study and compare labels. They discuss the different information included and the importance of good nutrition. They create a one day menu that would maintain a healthy diet. They role play...

What is a calorie? How many calories do young people require? How many do athletes require? How many calories do adults need? Introduce learners to the calories in foods. Explain that different types of foods have different amounts of...

Help young learners look at energy in and energy out. Discuss how different activities may require different amounts of energy in. Use the included worksheet to have them write or draw pictures of what they ate in one day and what...

Sixth graders investigate the food guide pyramid. They conduct Internet research, and plan a three day nutritional menu appropriate for teenagers. Students include three meals per day and a snack for each day on their menu, and...

Students examine human health by completing a sports nutrition worksheet. In this eating habits lesson, students discuss the importance of a balanced diet and proper feeding times when competing in physical activities. Students complete...

Fifth graders practice reading food labels to find nutrients in foods. In this health lesson plan, 5th graders read food labels and discuss the recommended daily allowance of each nutrient. They compare this to the food pyramid and...

Fifth graders explore the importance of eating a balanced meal. They observe a video of people suffering from malnutrition, eating disorders, and obesity. They plan a balanced lunch menu for a week.

Sixth graders explore food processing. In this food processing lesson, 6th graders investigate the effects of processing foods on the food's nutritional value. Students examine a variety of healthy snack options.

Students demonstrate their understanding of a body's need for calcium by constructing healthy diet habits with calcium rich food.

Students examine the calorie content of fast food items. In this adult health lesson plan, students discuss obesity problems in US. They apply the tips for healthy fast food dining in selecting a meal.

Sixth graders explore human health by participating in a nutrition activity. In this food choices lesson, 6th graders review the food pyramid in class and identify the specific classifications of food that create positive health for...

Students plan meals, create a shopping list, determine the cost of the meal, including incidentals such as labor and electricity used. In addition, they consider the cost of plates, table cloths, napkins, etc. Students prepare a meal and...