Minerals – Classifications, Functions, Deficiency Symptoms, and Food Sources Food and Nutrition SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Lesson Plan: Minerals – Classifications, Functions, Deficiency Symptoms, and Food Sources

Subject: Food and Nutrition
Class: SS1
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 14–16 years
Topic: Minerals
Sub-topic: Classifications, Functions, Deficiency Symptoms/Diseases, and Food Sources
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Classify minerals into different types.
2. Explain the functions of various essential minerals in the body.
3. Identify deficiency symptoms and diseases related to mineral deficiencies.
4. List food sources that are rich in essential minerals.

Keywords

• Minerals
• Micronutrients
• Macrominerals
• Trace elements
• Deficiency
• Symptoms

Set Induction

The teacher will ask students to name any minerals they know (such as iron, calcium) and discuss how they believe these minerals help the body.

Entry Behavior

Students already have a basic understanding of nutrients and their importance from previous lessons on carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Chart showing types of minerals and their food sources
• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with various minerals and their functions

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students are familiar with the idea that nutrients play different roles in the body. This lesson will expand on that knowledge by focusing on minerals and their specific benefits.

Embedded Core Skills

• Analytical skills (recognizing mineral functions)
• Communication skills (discussing deficiency symptoms)
• Critical thinking (linking mineral intake to health outcomes)

Learning Materials

• Visual aids showing mineral-rich foods
• Flashcards for mineral types and their effects

Reference Books

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

Instructional Materials

• Food charts showing mineral sources
• Flashcards for different types of minerals
• Real-life examples of mineral-rich foods

Content

1. Classification of Minerals:
   • Macrominerals: Needed by the body in larger amounts. Examples include calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
   • Trace Elements (Microminerals): Needed in smaller amounts but still essential. Examples include iron, zinc, iodine, fluoride, selenium, and copper.
2. Functions of Essential Minerals:
   • Calcium: Builds strong bones and teeth, aids in muscle contraction and blood clotting.
   • Potassium: Helps maintain fluid balance, supports nerve function and muscle contraction.
   • Sodium: Regulates fluid balance, helps nerve and muscle function.
   • Iron: Essential for red blood cell formation, helps transport oxygen in the blood.
   • Iodine: Necessary for thyroid function, helps in metabolism regulation.
   • Zinc: Supports immune system, aids in wound healing and DNA synthesis.
   • Magnesium: Assists in muscle and nerve function, aids in energy production.
   • Phosphorus: Works with calcium to build bones and teeth, helps produce energy.
3. Deficiency Symptoms/Diseases:
   • Calcium Deficiency: Causes rickets in children, osteoporosis in adults.
   • Iron Deficiency: Leads to anemia, resulting in fatigue and weakness.
   • Iodine Deficiency: Causes goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
   • Zinc Deficiency: Results in poor wound healing, hair loss, and weakened immunity.
   • Potassium Deficiency: Can cause muscle cramps, irregular heartbeats.
   • Sodium Deficiency: Leads to dehydration, muscle cramps, and confusion.
4. Food Sources of Essential Minerals:
   • Calcium: Dairy products (milk, cheese), leafy greens, almonds.
   • Potassium: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach.
   • Sodium: Table salt, processed foods (should be consumed in moderation).
   • Iron: Red meat, spinach, beans, fortified cereals.
   • Iodine: Iodized salt, seafood, eggs.
   • Zinc: Meat, dairy, nuts, seeds.
   • Magnesium: Nuts, whole grains, dark leafy greens.
   • Phosphorus: Meat, dairy, nuts, fish.

Evaluation Questions

1. Calcium helps to strengthen _______.
   a) Muscles
   b) Bones and teeth
   c) Skin
   d) Nails
2. The mineral essential for red blood cell production is _______.
   a) Calcium
   b) Iron
   c) Potassium
   d) Sodium
3. A deficiency in _______ can lead to goiter.
   a) Calcium
   b) Iron
   c) Iodine
   d) Zinc
4. _______ is a mineral necessary for fluid balance and muscle function.
   a) Calcium
   b) Sodium
   c) Zinc
   d) Phosphorus
5. The best source of potassium is _______.
   a) Milk
   b) Bananas
   c) Eggs
   d) Bread
6. Zinc deficiency can lead to poor _______ healing.
   a) Muscle
   b) Bone
   c) Wound
   d) Skin
7. Magnesium aids in _______ production.
   a) Protein
   b) Energy
   c) Blood
   d) Bone
8. _______ works together with calcium to build strong bones.
   a) Sodium
   b) Zinc
   c) Phosphorus
   d) Iron
9. A lack of iron can cause _______.
   a) Goiter
   b) Osteoporosis
   c) Anemia
   d) Cramps
10. _______ is a mineral that helps in nerve function and muscle contraction.
    a) Potassium
    b) Sodium
    c) Magnesium
    d) Iron
11. Iodine is mainly found in _______.
    a) Red meat
    b) Seafood
    c) Leafy greens
    d) Nuts
12. A good source of calcium is _______.
    a) Cheese
    b) Carrots
    c) Bananas
    d) Rice
13. _______ deficiency can cause osteoporosis in adults.
    a) Magnesium
    b) Calcium
    c) Potassium
    d) Sodium
14. Which mineral supports immune health and wound healing?
    a) Phosphorus
    b) Potassium
    c) Zinc
    d) Calcium
15. Phosphorus is primarily found in _______.
    a) Fruits
    b) Fish and dairy
    c) Vegetables
    d) Cereals

Class Activity Discussion

1. What are macrominerals?
   Minerals required in larger amounts, like calcium and potassium.
2. What are trace elements?
   Minerals needed in smaller amounts, like iron and zinc.
3. Which mineral helps in blood clotting?
   Calcium
4. What is the function of iron?
   It helps in the formation of red blood cells.
5. Name one food source of iodine.
   Iodized salt or seafood.
6. What happens if you lack calcium?
   It can lead to osteoporosis or rickets.
7. What does potassium do for the body?
   It helps with muscle contraction and fluid balance.
8. Why is magnesium important?
   It helps with nerve and muscle function and energy production.
9. Which mineral deficiency causes goiter?
   Iodine deficiency
10. What foods are rich in iron?
    Red meat, spinach, beans.
11. What does sodium do in the body?
    It helps with fluid balance and muscle function.
12. Which mineral is important for wound healing?
    Zinc
13. What are common sources of calcium?
    Dairy products and leafy greens.
14. How does phosphorus help the body?
    It works with calcium to build bones and teeth.
15. What mineral is important for nerve health?
    Potassium

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain classifications, functions, deficiency symptoms, and sources of minerals.
• Display food charts to help students identify mineral-rich foods.
• Engage students in discussions about how minerals affect the body.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions and take notes.
• Answer questions on the functions and sources of minerals.
• Complete the fill-in-the-blank questions individually.

Evaluation Questions

1. Name one function of calcium in the body.
2. What food is a rich source of potassium?
3. Which mineral helps to form red blood cells?
4. What deficiency disease is caused by a lack of iodine?
5. Name a trace element necessary for immune health.
6. What mineral aids muscle contraction?
7. What are the two classifications of minerals?
8. Name one food source of iron.
9. Which mineral works with calcium to strengthen bones?
10. What mineral is essential for energy production?

Conclusion

The teacher will review the lesson, emphasizing the role of minerals in maintaining health and preventing deficiencies. Students will be reminded of the importance of a balanced diet to ensure adequate mineral intake.