Exploring Careers in Food and Nutrition Food and Nutrition SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Lesson Plan: Careers in Food and Nutrition

Subject: Food and Nutrition
Class: SS1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 14–16 years
Topic: Careers in Food and Nutrition
Sub-topic: Types of Careers in Food and Nutrition
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. List various careers available in food and nutrition.
2. Describe the roles of different professionals in the food and nutrition industry.
3. Explain the importance of food and nutrition careers in society.

Keywords

• Dietetics
• Food Science and Technology
• Nutrition
• Community Nutrition
• Food Engineering
• Catering Management

Set Induction

The teacher asks students if they know anyone working in food-related fields or if they have ever considered a career in food and nutrition. This will introduce the idea of diverse opportunities within the industry.

Entry Behavior

Students have basic knowledge of food and nutrition from the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Career brochures on food and nutrition
• Pictures of various food and nutrition professionals in action
• Chart listing different food and nutrition careers

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students are aware of the importance of food and nutrition. This knowledge will be expanded to show how people specialize in these areas professionally.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Career awareness

Learning Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed visuals of food and nutrition careers
• Career brochures

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Food and Nutrition textbooks for secondary schools

Instructional Materials

• Charts of food and nutrition careers and descriptions
• Flashcards with career definitions

Content

1. Careers in Food and Nutrition
   • Teaching: Educating students or the public on food science and nutrition.
   • Dietetics: Advising patients on diet and meal plans to promote health and manage disease.
   • Food Science and Technology: Developing and improving food products, studying food composition.
   • Food Engineering: Applying engineering principles to food production, processing, and packaging.
   • Community Nutrition: Working within communities to improve nutritional health and prevent disease.
   • Clinical Nutrition: Providing dietary guidance in clinical settings such as hospitals.
   • Hotel and Catering Management: Managing food service operations in hotels, restaurants, and catering services.
2. Importance of Careers in Food and Nutrition
   • Supports public health by improving dietary habits.
   • Advances food safety and quality.
   • Encourages innovation in food processing and preservation.

Content Overview

1. Teaching
2. Dietetics
3. Food Science and Technology
4. Food Engineering
5. Hotel and Catering Management

Sub-Topic 1:

(i) Teaching
(ii) Dietetics
(iii) Food Science and Technology

Introduction

A career is a long-term or lifelong job that an individual is trained for and practices over an extended period. Nutrition is a dynamic and diverse field offering numerous career opportunities, all centered around health and food science.

Various career opportunities in food and nutrition require formal training. Each career path has its own unique focus, responsibilities, and required skill sets.

Careers in Food and Nutrition

1. Teaching

Teachers in food and nutrition educate students about nutrition, health benefits, cooking skills, and the importance of proper diet. By teaching in schools (secondary schools, nursing schools, medical schools, etc.), they reduce ignorance about nutrition science and encourage good health practices.

Example:

• A nutrition teacher might create lesson plans that focus on identifying nutrient-rich foods and explaining the consequences of malnutrition.
• They may also teach about balanced diets, food safety, and basic cooking methods in schools.

2. Dietetics

Dietitians are experts in the study of food and its impact on health. They work with patients needing diet therapy, helping them manage conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Dietitians also work in hospitals, health departments, clinics, and nursing homes.

Example:

• A dietitian may create a low-sodium diet plan for a patient with high blood pressure.
• They also offer educational workshops on how to maintain a balanced diet for specific health conditions.

3. Food Science and Technology

Food scientists study the chemical, biochemical, physical, and biological properties of foods. They are mainly involved in research and development, working in universities, polytechnics, research institutes, and food processing industries. Food technologists apply scientific knowledge to food preservation, flavor enhancement, texture improvement, and appearance.

Example:

• A food scientist might work on developing a new method to extend the shelf life of perishable goods.
• A food technologist could develop a new processing technique to make packaged snacks healthier by reducing sugar and fat.

4. Food Engineering

Food engineers focus on techniques to store and preserve food post-harvest. They create systems to keep food fresh and prevent spoilage during transportation and storage. This career often requires knowledge in both food science and mechanical engineering.

Example:

• A food engineer might design a cooling system to keep fruits fresh during long-distance shipping.
• They could also develop packaging that minimizes spoilage by controlling oxygen levels around the food.

5. Hotel and Catering Management

Caterers and hospitality managers are essential in providing food services at events, parties, and institutions. A caterer can run a personal business or work in hotels, restaurants, and fast-food outlets. They manage the food needs of large gatherings and special occasions.

Example:

• A catering manager may plan and serve a menu for a wedding reception.
• They can also operate a restaurant or a food truck, creating menus that meet diverse customer preferences.

Sub-Topic 2:

(iv) Hospitality and Tourism
(v) Food Research and Development
(vi) Community Nutrition
(vii) Clinical Nutrition
(viii) Home Science and Nutrition

6. Hospitality and Tourism

Hospitality management focuses on food services, hotel management, and tourism. With a degree in hospitality management, individuals can work as catering or food services managers in hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other food establishments. They ensure customer satisfaction by managing day-to-day operations.

Example:

• A food service manager may oversee the kitchen operations in a hotel, ensuring quality and prompt service.
• A hospitality manager might coordinate catering for a corporate event, ensuring that the menu meets client expectations.

7. Food Research and Development

Food research identifies the link between diet and health, leading to improved food quality, safety, and nutritional value. Researchers in this field work for manufacturers, focusing on food processing, packaging, and storage methods. Research and development support advancements in all nutrition careers.

Example:

• Researchers might create a new type of food packaging that prevents spoilage without artificial preservatives.
• Food scientists could develop a more nutritious snack that’s low in sugar and rich in fiber.

8. Community Nutrition

Community nutritionists work to improve public health by promoting nutritional awareness in communities. They provide guidance on healthy eating practices and prevent nutrition-related diseases. Community nutritionists often work with local organizations or public health departments.

Example:

• A community nutritionist might organize a workshop on healthy cooking techniques.
• They could also provide resources on affordable, nutritious meal options for low-income families.

9. Clinical Nutrition

Clinical nutritionists work in hospitals, nursing homes, or schools to develop healthy meal plans for patients or students. They consider dietary needs based on health conditions and support well-being through balanced nutrition.

Example:

• A clinical nutritionist may plan meals for a school cafeteria to ensure balanced diets for students.
• They could also advise a hospital on diet plans for patients recovering from surgery.

10. Home Science and Nutrition

Home science focuses on the effects of nutrition on health within a domestic setting. Nutritionists working in this field advise individuals and families on nutrition, supervise meal preparations, and often work in rural areas promoting dietary awareness.

Example:

• A nutritionist could help a family design meal plans that cater to children’s nutritional needs.
• They might also lead community seminars on budget-friendly, nutritious meal planning.

Evaluation

1. Define community nutrition and clinical nutrition.
2. Explain hospitality as a career in food and nutrition.
3. What is a career?
4. List and explain the career opportunities available in food and nutrition.
5. Describe the careers available in food and nutrition.
6. What is the relationship between a food engineer and a food nutritionist?
7. How can a nutritionist be effective as a school matron?
8. What does a dietitian do?

Objective Test

1. Which of these is not a career in foods and nutrition?
   • A) Dietitian
   • B) Nutritionist
   • C) Teacher
   • D) Self-employment
2. _________ play an important role in maintaining the nation’s food supply by enhancing food security.
   • A) Nutritionists
   • B) Dietitians
   • C) Food technologists
   • D) Food scientists
3. Foods and nutrition teachers impact knowledge to reduce the rate of _________.
   • A) Ignorance
   • B) Occupation
   • C) Food
   • D) Pleasure
4. A dietitian works in a _________.
   • A) Hospital
   • B) Canteen
   • C) Theatre
   • D) Store
5. A nutritionist that studies the basic properties of foods is a _________.
   • A) Food scientist
   • B) Food engineer
   • C) Dietitian
   • D) Chemist

Assignments

• Weekend Assignment: Read Evans Food and Nutrition for Senior Secondary School 1 by F.A. Bakare (pages 7-9).
• Pre-reading Assignment: Study the relationships between food, nutrition, and other subjects.

References

1. Evans Food and Nutrition for SS1 Book 1 by F.A. Bakare et al.
2. Exam Focus: Foods and Nutrition for WASSCE and SSCE by J.O. Olusanya et al.

Evaluation Questions (15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions)

1. A career focused on educating people about food and nutrition is called _______.
   a) dietetics
   b) food engineering
   c) teaching
   d) catering
2. _______ professionals create and improve food products by studying their composition.
   a) Dieticians
   b) Food Scientists
   c) Nutritionists
   d) Caterers
3. _______ involves managing food services in hotels and restaurants.
   a) Community nutrition
   b) Dietetics
   c) Hotel and catering management
   d) Food engineering
4. A dietician’s primary role is to _______.
   a) develop food machines
   b) educate students
   c) advise on diet and meal planning
   d) handle catering events
5. _______ nutritionists work within communities to promote health.
   a) Clinical
   b) Community
   c) Food science
   d) Hotel
6. A career that applies engineering principles to food processing is called _______.
   a) dietetics
   b) food engineering
   c) hotel management
   d) teaching
7. Clinical nutritionists usually work in _______.
   a) factories
   b) hospitals
   c) schools
   d) farms
8. _______ management involves handling food service operations.
   a) Dietetics
   b) Food science
   c) Catering
   d) Engineering
9. Professionals who study the health effects of food on individuals are called _______.
   a) doctors
   b) dieticians
   c) engineers
   d) caterers
10. _______ nutrition focuses on improving health within a specific area or community.
    a) Clinical
    b) Community
    c) Teaching
    d) Engineering
11. Food engineers focus on _______.
    a) making meal plans
    b) educating communities
    c) applying engineering to food production
    d) managing hotels
12. _______ is a career that involves giving dietary advice to patients.
    a) Dietetics
    b) Catering
    c) Teaching
    d) Food science
13. Professionals in _______ are responsible for new food product development.
    a) teaching
    b) dietetics
    c) food science and technology
    d) clinical nutrition
14. Hotel and catering management is essential in _______.
    a) hospitals
    b) hotels and restaurants
    c) laboratories
    d) schools
15. A _______ might work in a community to promote healthy eating.
    a) clinical nutritionist
    b) food scientist
    c) dietician
    d) community nutritionist

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs with Answers)

1. What is dietetics?
   Dietetics is a field that involves advising people on diet and nutrition for health.
2. What does a food scientist do?
   Food scientists develop and improve food products.
3. What is food engineering?
   Food engineering involves applying engineering principles to the production and processing of food.
4. Who works in community nutrition?
   Community nutritionists work to promote health within communities.
5. What is clinical nutrition?
   Clinical nutrition involves providing dietary guidance in healthcare settings.
6. What is the role of hotel and catering management?
   It involves managing food service operations in hotels, restaurants, and catering services.
7. Why is teaching a career in food and nutrition?
   Teaching educates others about the science of food and nutrition.
8. What skills are needed in food engineering?
   Skills in engineering and food science are essential.
9. What do dieticians do in hospitals?
   They advise patients on meal planning and diet management.
10. Where do food scientists often work?
    In laboratories, food companies, and research institutions.
11. Why is clinical nutrition important?
    It provides dietary advice to manage health conditions.
12. What types of food-related careers are in hotels?
    Hotel and catering management positions.
13. How does community nutrition help society?
    It promotes health and prevents disease in communities.
14. What education is needed for a dietitian?
    Typically a degree in dietetics or nutrition.
15. What is the focus of food science?
    The composition, safety, and innovation of food products.

Presentation

Step 1: Revision of Previous Topic

The teacher will review the topic of “Introduction to Food and Nutrition,” emphasizing the importance of food.

Step 2: Introduction of New Topic

The teacher introduces “Careers in Food and Nutrition,” explaining the diversity and significance of each role.

Step 3: Student Contributions and Corrections

The teacher invites students to discuss any food-related careers they are familiar with. The teacher will clarify and provide additional information.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain different careers in food and nutrition.
• Discuss the significance of each career for health and society.
• Show examples of various professionals and their roles.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions and name any known food and nutrition careers.
• Take notes on key careers and their descriptions.
• Ask questions for clarity.

Evaluation Questions

1. List three careers in food and nutrition.
2. Define dietetics.
3. What does a food engineer do?
4. Mention two roles of community nutritionists.
5. Where do clinical nutritionists work?
6. What is the main role of a dietician?
7. Describe food science and technology.
8. Why is hotel and catering management important?
9. How does food engineering impact food production?
10. What are two skills needed in food science?

Conclusion

The teacher will go around to mark students’ work and review the answers. Summarize key points, highlighting the value of food and nutrition careers in society.