Importance of Food Nutrients for JSS 1 Students

Lesson Plan: Importance of Food Nutrients

Subject: Physical and Health Education

Class: JSS 1

Term: Second Term

Week: 9

Age: 11 – 13 years

Topic: Importance of Food Nutrients

Sub-topic: Functions of Food Nutrients in the Human Body

Duration: 40 minutes


Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Explain the importance of food nutrients in the body.
  2. List at least five major functions of food nutrients.
  3. Describe how food nutrients contribute to growth and development.
  4. Discuss the relationship between food and overall health.

Keywords

  • Food Nutrients – Essential substances in food that support body functions.
  • Energy – The power needed for physical activities.
  • Growth – Increase in size and development of the body.
  • Body Heat – The warmth produced by food digestion.
  • Immunity – The body’s ability to fight diseases.

Set Induction

The teacher asks students:

  • Why do we eat food?
  • What happens when someone does not eat for a whole day?
  • Can you grow taller without eating good food?

The teacher then explains that food nutrients help the body function properly, grow, and stay healthy.


Entry Behaviour

Students already understand the classes of food and their sources from the previous lesson.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Charts showing different nutrients and their functions.
  • Flashcards with food items and their nutrient content.
  • Pictures of people with good and poor nutrition.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about the different classes of food and their examples. This lesson builds on that knowledge by explaining why food nutrients are important.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking – Understanding the effects of food on health.
  • Communication – Discussing the importance of food nutrients.
  • Collaboration – Group discussions on food functions.

Learning Materials

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Basic Science and Health Education Textbook
  • Food and Nutrition Textbook

Instructional Materials

  • Picture charts of different food groups and their functions
  • Flashcards with food items
  • Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Importance of Food Nutrients

Food is essential to the body because it performs the following functions:

  1. Provides Energy – Food gives the body the strength to carry out daily activities such as walking, running, and playing.
  2. Supports Growth and Development – Nutrients like proteins help the body grow and develop properly.
  3. Helps in Cell Repair and Replacement – Food nutrients repair damaged tissues and help the body heal.
  4. Maintains Body Temperature – Food helps the body stay warm and function in different weather conditions.
  5. Aids Blood Production – Nutrients like iron help in the production of healthy blood cells.
  6. Boosts Immunity – Eating the right food helps prevent diseases and infections.
  7. Ensures Proper Body Functioning – Food nutrients help organs like the heart, brain, and liver work properly.
  8. Eliminates Hunger – Food satisfies hunger and keeps the body active.

Evaluation

Part A: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (With Options)

  1. Food provides the body with ______.
    a) Energy
    b) Air
    c) Water
    d) Smoke

  2. ______ helps in repairing damaged tissues.
    a) Vitamins
    b) Carbohydrates
    c) Proteins
    d) Fats

  3. Food helps in the production of ______.
    a) Sweat
    b) Blood
    c) Air
    d) Plastic

  4. ______ helps the body fight diseases.
    a) Vitamins
    b) Carbohydrates
    c) Proteins
    d) Fats

  5. The class of food that maintains body temperature is ______.
    a) Carbohydrates
    b) Water
    c) Fats and oils
    d) Proteins

  6. The main source of energy in the body is ______.
    a) Fats
    b) Vitamins
    c) Carbohydrates
    d) Minerals

  7. Which of these nutrients helps to build strong bones?
    a) Water
    b) Mineral salts
    c) Proteins
    d) Fats

  8. A person who does not eat enough food may suffer from ______.
    a) Strength
    b) Growth problems
    c) More energy
    d) Happiness

  9. Which nutrient helps in making blood?
    a) Carbohydrates
    b) Iron
    c) Fats
    d) Water

  10. Food nutrients make sure the ______ in the body work properly.
    a) Machines
    b) Organs
    c) Toys
    d) Plants


Class Activity Discussion

FAQs with Answers

  1. Why do we need food? Food gives us energy, helps us grow, and keeps us healthy.
  2. What happens if we don’t eat healthy food? We may become weak, sick, or have slow growth.
  3. Which food nutrient helps to build muscles? Proteins.
  4. What does water do in the body? It helps in digestion and keeps us hydrated.
  5. How does food protect the body from diseases? Nutrients like vitamins and minerals help boost immunity.
  6. What food helps in making strong bones? Milk, fish, and leafy vegetables.
  7. What happens if we don’t eat enough food? We may feel tired and weak.
  8. Which nutrient provides the most energy? Carbohydrates.
  9. Why is blood important in the body? It carries oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body.
  10. What should we do to stay healthy? Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

Teacher’s Activities

  • Explains the importance of food nutrients.
  • Displays charts of different nutrients and their functions.
  • Asks students to mention the foods they eat daily.

Learners’ Activities

  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Identify food items and their nutrients.
  • Answer questions and complete class activities.

Assessment (Renamed as Evaluation Questions)

  1. What are food nutrients?
  2. Mention three reasons why food is important.
  3. Which nutrient helps in building the body?
  4. How does food help prevent diseases?
  5. What happens if we don’t eat food?
  6. Name two foods rich in carbohydrates.
  7. What is the function of vitamins in the body?
  8. How does food help in the production of blood?
  9. Which nutrient helps in maintaining body heat?
  10. Why is it important to eat a balanced diet?

Conclusion

  • The teacher moves around to check students’ work.
  • Gives corrections and feedback.
  • Encourages students to eat nutritious foods for better health.

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