Introduction to Food and Nutrition SS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes
Lesson Plan: Introduction to Food and Nutrition
Lesson Details
- Subject: Food and Nutrition
- Class: SS1
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 1
- Age: 14 – 17 years
- Topic: Introduction to Food and Nutrition
- Sub-topic: (1) Definition of Nutrition, (2) Importance of Nutrition, (3) Factors Affecting Nutrition
- Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define nutrition and explain its importance.
- List and explain at least five factors that affect food and nutrition.
- Differentiate between nutrition, nutrients, and anti-nutrients.
- Explain how income, ignorance, and food availability influence nutrition.
Keywords
- Nutrition: The study of food and its effects on the body.
- Nutrients: Chemical substances in food that nourish the body.
- Anti-nutrients: Substances that interfere with nutrient absorption.
- Malnutrition: A health condition caused by poor nutrition.
Set Induction (Teacher’s Activity)
The teacher asks students:
- What do you think will happen if a person does not eat food for a long time?
- Why do we eat different types of food?
- Can someone eat food regularly but still be unhealthy?
Teacher links students’ responses to the topic and explains that food is necessary for survival, but good nutrition is essential for proper growth, energy, and disease prevention.
Entry Behavior
Students have a basic understanding that food is necessary for life but may not fully understand the importance of balanced nutrition.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Food samples (e.g., rice, fruits, vegetables)
- Charts showing food nutrients and their functions
- Pictures of people suffering from malnutrition
- Flashcards with food-related terms
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds students that they consume food daily, but the choice of food and its nutrients determine their overall health.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Scientific Analysis
Learning Materials
- Textbooks:
- Evans Food and Nutrition for SS1 by F.A. Bakare
- Exam Focus: Foods and Nutrition for WASSCE & SSCE by J.O. Olusanya
Lesson Content
Sub-Topic 1: Definition of Nutrition
- Nutrition is the study of nutrients in relation to their functions in the body.
- It involves the chemical and physical properties of nutrients, their food sources, and deficiency symptoms.
- Nutrition also examines how food is consumed, metabolized, and utilized by the body.
- Nutrients are the chemical substances found in food that support life and health.
- Anti-nutrients are substances that interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients in the body.
- Malnutrition occurs when a person does not get the right amount of nutrients required for proper body function.
Sub-Topic 2: Importance of Nutrition
- Promotes good health – Eating the right foods helps prevent diseases.
- Provides energy – The body gets energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Supports growth and development – Essential for children’s brain and physical development.
- Boosts immunity – Well-nourished individuals resist infections better.
- Aids in body regulation – Food helps control body temperature, digestion, and hormonal functions.
Sub-Topic 3: Factors Affecting Food and Nutrition
- Availability of Food
- When food is readily available, people can eat a balanced diet.
- Scarcity of food leads to malnutrition.
- Income Level
- Families with higher income can afford quality food.
- Low-income families may rely on cheaper, less nutritious food.
- Foods in Season
- Seasonal foods are fresher, cheaper, and more nutritious.
- Out-of-season foods are expensive and sometimes preserved with chemicals.
- Ignorance
- People who lack knowledge about nutrition may eat unbalanced meals.
- Education about food and its value leads to better dietary choices.
- Storage and Preservation
- Proper food storage prevents spoilage and wastage.
- Good preservation methods help maintain food quality.
- Other Factors
- Tradition and customs: Cultural food choices affect nutrition.
- Cooking methods: Some methods destroy nutrients (e.g., overcooking vegetables).
- Family nutritional needs: Different family members require different nutrient levels.
Evaluation Questions
- State three roles of food in the body.
- What is the relationship between food and good health?
- Define nutrition.
- Define nutrients.
- What are anti-nutrients?
- Define malnutrition.
- Explain how ignorance affects food and nutrition.
- Explain how money affects food and nutrition.
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs & Answers)
- What is nutrition?
- Nutrition is the study of food and how it affects the body.
- Why do we need food?
- Food provides energy, growth, and disease resistance.
- What are nutrients?
- Nutrients are substances in food that nourish the body.
- What are anti-nutrients?
- They are substances that reduce nutrient absorption.
- What happens if someone does not eat well?
- They may develop malnutrition or health issues.
- Why is nutrition important for children?
- It helps brain development and overall growth.
- How does money affect food choices?
- More money allows people to buy quality food.
- How does tradition influence food choices?
- Cultural beliefs determine what people eat.
- Why do some foods spoil quickly?
- Poor storage and preservation lead to spoilage.
- Why are some foods cheaper at certain times?
- Foods are cheaper when they are in season.
Assessment (Evaluation Questions)
Objective Questions:
- Nutrition is __________.
a) The act of cooking food
b) The chemical substances in food
c) The study of nutrients and their effects on the body
d) The act of living well - Which of these factors does not affect food and nutrition?
a) Cooking methods
b) Chosen career
c) Storage facility
d) Education - Any substance eaten, digested, and absorbed by the body is known as __________.
a) Food
b) Nutrient
c) Nutrition
d) Chemical substances - People who are well-fed have more resistance to __________.
a) Disease
b) Wealth
c) Poverty
d) Wellness - Food brings all of the following to the body except __________.
a) Pleasures
b) Traditions
c) Nourishment
d) Sickness
Weekend Assignment
Essay Questions:
- Define nutrition.
- State two importance of nutrition.
- List four factors that affect good nutrition.
- Explain how storage and preservation affect food quality.
- Discuss how available income influences nutrition.
Pre-reading Assignment:
Read about careers in food and nutrition from the recommended textbooks.
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson and emphasizes that good nutrition is essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. The teacher also provides feedback on students’ participation and marks their responses.