Food Guide Pyramid Puzzle
(Science and Nutrition - 5th grade - One 90 minute class)

Key Points:  The class will review the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.  They will build their own pyramid and then plan a day of healthy eating,

Background Information:  The Food Guide Pyramid displays the different groups of food we need to eat daily in order to have a healthy diet.  It also explains the amount of each of these groups we need daily.  Students can use this guide to help them judge if they are maintaining a healthy diet and if they have been eating too little or too much of any certain food group.

QCC Objectives:  Nutrition:  23    Science:  4, 23 

Behavioral Objectives: 
Cognitive:
The student will be able to name the food groups.  (Knowledge)
The student will be able to restate the different food groups and required amounts.  (Comprehension)
The student will be able to construct a model of the Food Pyramid.  (Application)
The student will be able to categorize foods into different food groups.  (Analysis)
The student will be able to compose healthy meals that fulfill the requirements of the Food Guide Pyramid.  (Synthesis)
The student will be able to assess others meal plans and judge if they meet the criteria of the Food Guide Pyramid.  (Evaluation)
Affective: 
The student pays close attention to verbal and written instructions.  (Receiving)
The student willingly participates in presentations.  (Responding)
The student modifies his or her own diet to meet healthy standards.  (Organizing)
The student practices healthy eating daily.  (Personal value system)

Focusing Event:  The teacher will begin the lesson by reviewing information about the Food Guide Pyramid.  Students will be allowed to name the different food groups, some examples found in each group, and the required amount for each group.  The teacher could label a pyramid on the overhead or board.  The example should be removed after the review is over in preparation for the next activity.

Procedures:  After the class reviews the Food Guide Pyramid, the teacher should distribute to each student a copy of the Food Guide Pyramid Puzzle and the Food Guide Pyramid Pattern Sheet.  Allow the students time to color and cut out the pieces to the Food Guide Pyramid Puzzle.  Remind students to think about the foods they eat and whether or nor they are eating the recommended amount in each food group.  Have them glue their puzzle pieces into the correct spot on the Pattern Sheet.  Next, divide the class into small groups.  Give each group 5 large paper plates and several old magazines.  Tell each group to cut out food pictures from the magazines.  Following the guidelines on the Food Guide Pyramid, they should plan three meals and two snacks to create a day of healthy eating.  The groups should label on each plate the meal or snack they created and glue their corresponding pictures onto the plates. 
(Continue to next page)