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 "Copy Activity", 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.
Create a colorful bulletin board or wall display featuring the seven essential nutrient groups and examples of each. This visual aid helps students remember key concepts and supports ongoing discussions about healthy eating.
Encourage students to select their favorite foods and identify which nutrient group each belongs to. This activity makes learning personal and deepens understanding of food choices.
Facilitate a conversation where students share what they bring for lunch and analyze which nutrient groups are represented. This real-world application boosts engagement and critical thinking.
Prepare cards or images of various foods and have students work in groups to sort them into the correct nutrient groups. This hands-on approach reinforces learning in a fun way.
The seven essential nutrient groups are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. Each plays a unique role in keeping our bodies healthy and functioning properly.
To teach the difference, explain that food groups categorize foods based on type (like grains or vegetables), while nutrient groups refer to the key substances in food (such as carbohydrates or vitamins) that the body needs. Using charts or spider maps helps make this distinction clear for students.
A spider map activity is a visual organizer where students create a central idea (like 'Essential Nutrients') and branch out to define each nutrient group, list examples, and describe their uses in the body. It helps students understand and remember each nutrient’s function.
Examples include carbohydrates (bread, pasta), proteins (eggs, meat), fats (butter, olive oil), vitamins (carrots, oranges), minerals (milk, bananas), fiber (broccoli, artichokes), and water (cucumber, water).
Understanding essential nutrients helps students make healthier food choices and recognize why a balanced diet is important, beyond just identifying food groups. It connects what they eat to how their bodies grow and stay healthy.