Importance of Food, Nutrition, and Health for JSS 1 Students

Lesson Plan: Food, Nutrition, and Health

Subject: Physical and Health Education

Class: JSS 1

Term: Second Term

Week: 8

Age: 11 – 13 years

Topic: Food, Nutrition, and Health

Sub-topic: Meaning, Classes, and Importance of Food and Nutrition

Duration: 40 minutes


Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Define food, nutrition, and nutrients.
  2. Identify and explain the six classes of food.
  3. List at least ten examples of food items.
  4. Explain the importance of food to the human body.
  5. Discuss the relationship between food, nutrition, and health.

Keywords

  • Food – Substances consumed for energy and growth.
  • Nutrition – Study of food and its effect on health.
  • Nutrients – Essential substances in food for body function.
  • Health – A state of complete physical and mental well-being.

Set Induction

The teacher asks students:

  • What did you eat this morning?
  • How do you feel when you do not eat?
  • Can someone be healthy without eating nutritious food?

The teacher then explains that food is essential for energy, growth, and overall health.


Entry Behaviour

Students are familiar with common food items and meals eaten at home.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Charts showing different classes of food.
  • Samples of common food items (e.g., rice, beans, fruits).
  • Flashcards with images of food groups.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have been taught about healthy habits and the importance of a balanced diet in previous lessons.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking – Understanding the importance of different foods.
  • Communication – Discussing the role of food in maintaining good health.
  • Collaboration – Group activities on identifying food classes.

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
  • Food samples (fruits, grains, dairy products)
  • Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Definition and Meaning of Food, Nutrition, and Health

  1. Food: Any substance consumed to provide energy, growth, and body repair.
  2. Nutrition: The study of food, its composition, digestion, and impact on health.
  3. Nutrients: Chemical substances in food that nourish the body.
  4. Health: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

Step 2: Different Types of Food

  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Bread
  • Yam
  • Corn
  • Cassava
  • Fish
  • Meat
  • Butter
  • Wheat
  • Eggs

Step 3: Classes of Food and Their Functions

The six essential classes of food include:

  1. Carbohydrates – Provide energy (e.g., rice, yam, bread).
  2. Proteins – Help in body-building and repair (e.g., beans, meat, eggs).
  3. Vitamins – Protect against diseases (e.g., fruits, vegetables).
  4. Fats and Oils – Provide energy and warmth (e.g., butter, groundnut oil).
  5. Mineral Salts – Strengthen bones and teeth (e.g., milk, fish, salt).
  6. Water – Helps digestion and circulation (e.g., clean drinking water).

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. ______ is the study of food and its effect on health.
    a) Science
    b) Nutrition
    c) Agriculture
    d) Cooking

  3. The class of food responsible for body growth is called ______.
    a) Carbohydrates
    b) Proteins
    c) Vitamins
    d) Fats

  4. Which of these is an example of carbohydrates?
    a) Fish
    b) Yam
    c) Meat
    d) Egg

  5. Water helps in ______.
    a) Body repair
    b) Digestion and circulation
    c) Producing energy
    d) Making blood

  6. ______ strengthens bones and teeth.
    a) Mineral salts
    b) Carbohydrates
    c) Fats
    d) Water

  7. Fruits and vegetables are rich in ______.
    a) Proteins
    b) Carbohydrates
    c) Vitamins
    d) Fats

  8. Good nutrition helps in ______.
    a) Digestion only
    b) Preventing diseases
    c) Reducing hunger
    d) Making food taste better

  9. ______ helps in storing energy and keeping the body warm.
    a) Carbohydrates
    b) Fats and oils
    c) Proteins
    d) Vitamins

  10. Drinking enough water daily is important for ______.
    a) Strengthening bones
    b) Proper digestion
    c) Providing energy
    d) Building muscles


Class Activity Discussion

FAQs with Answers

  1. What is food? Food is any substance consumed for energy, growth, and repair.
  2. What are nutrients? Nutrients are substances in food that help the body function properly.
  3. What is the difference between food and nutrition? Food is what we eat, while nutrition is the study of how food affects our health.
  4. Give three examples of proteins. Meat, eggs, and beans.
  5. Why is water important in the body? It helps digestion and keeps the body hydrated.
  6. Which class of food helps in body growth? Proteins.
  7. Name two food items rich in carbohydrates. Rice and yam.
  8. What does vitamin C help the body with? It boosts immunity and prevents diseases.
  9. How does a lack of minerals affect health? It can lead to weak bones and teeth.
  10. What happens when we eat too much fat? It can cause obesity and other health issues.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

Teacher’s Activities

  • Explains the concepts of food, nutrition, and nutrients.
  • Shows charts and real food samples.
  • Asks questions to engage students.

Learners’ Activities

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

Assessment (Renamed as Evaluation Questions)

  1. Define food and give two examples.
  2. Explain what nutrition means.
  3. List the six classes of food.
  4. What is the function of proteins in the body?
  5. Give three examples of carbohydrate-rich foods.
  6. Name two sources of vitamins.
  7. Why is water important in our diet?
  8. Which class of food helps build strong bones?
  9. Mention two examples of fats and oils.
  10. What is the relationship between food and health?

Conclusion

  • The teacher goes around to check students’ work.
  • Gives corrections and feedback.
  • Encourages students to eat a balanced diet for good health.

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