After students have learned about the food groups, it's essential that they also understand what nutrient groups are! In this activity, students will create a spider map that defines each of the different essential nutrients. Students should be sure to illustrate examples alongside their definition. They can easily find many photos of food using the search bar and Photos for Class and put them effortlessly into their storyboard.
Students will look at the seven different nutrient groups: carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and water.
| Nutrient | Example | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrate | Pasta, Bread, and Potatoes | The body uses carbohydrates to provide energy. |
| Proteins | Fish, Meat, and Eggs | The body uses protein for repair and growth. |
| Fats | Olive Oil, Butter, and Lard | The body uses fats for energy, but can also store them to insulate for warmth. |
| Vitamins | Vitamin A - Carrots Vitamin B - Eggs Vitamin C - Oranges Vitamin D - Oily Fish |
The body needs small amounts of vitamins to keep us healthy. Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight. Vitamin C helps us repair and regenerate tissue. |
| Minerals | Calcium - Milk Iron - Red Meat Potassium - Bananas Magnesium - Avocados |
The body needs small amounts of minerals to keep us healthy. Calcium is important for bone growth. Iron is essential in the production of red blood cells. |
| Fiber | Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, and Artichokes | Not actually used by the body, fiber provides roughage to aid digestion and keep food moving through the digestive system. |
| Water | Cucumber, Soda, and Water | The body uses water for cells and body fluids. |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Use This Assignment With My Students", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that describes the different essential nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and water.
Grade Level 4-5
Difficulty Level 4 (Difficult / Complex)
Type of Assignment Individual or Group
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identified Nutrients | 6-7 nutrients are correctly identified. | 4-5 nutrients are correctly identified. | 3 or fewer nutrients are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Nutrients | There are three correct examples for each category, with images. | There are at least two correct examples for each category, with images. | There is at least one correct example for each category, with images. |
| Description | All the nutrients have a description of how the body uses them. | Most of the nutrients have a description of how the body uses them. | Some of the nutrients have a description of how the body uses them. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
