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Why is food important to our bodies? In this data-rich lesson, students will learn about macronutrients and why our bodies need them. Students begin by recording their personal daily food intake and analyzing their own macronutrient consumption according to US standards. Students then compare macronutrient consumption profiles of teenagers from different countries. The two parts can be done in sequence or independently.
Subject(s):
Biology, Health, Nutrition
Grade Level:
9-12
Estimated Time:
Part 1 – Personal Intake and Macronutrient Analysis
- Introduction (20 minutes)
- Data collection (homework)
- Data analysis: computing RDI values and questions (50 minute class)
Part 2 – US and Haitian Diet Macronutrient Analysis (50 minutes)
Materials Needed:
Part 1: Personal Intake and Macronutrient Analysis
- Personal Intake Analysis handout
- Personal Food Intake Log for Macronutrient Analysis handout
- Meter stick, scale, computer with internet access
- Printed copies of Reference DRI charts
Part 2: US and Haitian Diet Comparisons
- Profile Comparisons handout
- Graph Paper
Objective(s):
- Students will define and describe what calories, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are.
- Students will collect data and analyze that data in reference to US dietary standards.
- Students will evaluate the validity of their data collection methods.
- Students will create a bar graph to compare two data sets and summarize that comparison in writing.
- Students will consider the implications of and remedies for under- and over- consumption of macronutrients.
Concepts Covered:
Carbohydrate, fat, protein, Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), food labeling
Author(s):
Molly Holden and Susan Dodge, M.S. Ed for Creative Curriculum