Nutrition in a Box
Inspiring kids to eat nutritious foods helps them do better in school and grow into healthy, productive adults. Schools, camps and after-school programs want to include nutrition education but may not have the time or expertise to create their own educational materials. Working with Connie Liakos, M.S., R.D., and the MIKE program, we created an engaging hands-on nutrition curriculum for middle school aged students.
Description
The curriculum includes four lessons, each with multiple modules. Lessons and modules can be used individually or as a whole and can be used in any order. The brightly colored pages include icons to clearly identify the lesson and material. The teachers’ guide provides tips for engaging students and additional learning opportunities. Each lesson below has a pdf link to a poster and vocabulary list, as well as a combined pdf for each module, which contains the table cards, activity sheets, worksheets, handouts and games. All materials are able to be printed on 8.5"x11" paper, saved to a teaching platform or shown on an overhead projector.
The curriculum
- mirrors USDA Dietary Guidelines.
- utilizes the evidence-based USDA MyPlate Guide as a model.
- is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
- aligns with current Oregon health education standards and performance indicators.
- has been tested in Oregon classrooms and revised based on student and teacher input.
Teaching guide
The full teachers' guide includes an overview of the curriculum, teaching tips for each lesson, and answer guides for all included materials.
Lesson 1: MyPlate Power Foods
The "eat more" groups - grains, fruits and vegetables
Vocabulary List
Lesson Poster
Module 1: Fruits
Module 2: Vegetables
Module 3: Grains
Lesson 2: MyPlate Build Foods
The "Build your body" groups - protein and dairy
Vocabulary List
Lesson Poster
Protein Poster
Lesson 3: Winning the Balance Game
Finding the right fit for fats, sugars, and identifying portion sizes
Vocabulary List
Module 1: Ad busters
Module 2: Fats
Module 3: Portions
Module 4: Sugar-Beverages
Lesson 4: Taking Charge of Your Choices
Fitting in family meals, meal planning, snacking success and dining decisions
Vocabulary List
Nutrition Facts Cards
Each lesson has a set of nutrition facts cards with a food image on the front and nutrition information on the back. The playing cards are used for activities within each lesson or can be used to create fun games. Contact us to order a printed deck of the playing cards.
