Activity: “Creating a Balanced Plate”

Desired Outcome: By applying my knowledge and understanding of current healthy eating advice, I can contribute to a healthy eating plan. I can identify foods which belong in each section of the eatwell guide.

Suitable for: Second Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Introduction: 1. Begin the activity by discussing the importance of a balanced diet and how it contributes to overall health and wellbeing. 2. Introduce the concept of the eatwell guide, explaining that it is a visual representation of the different food groups and the proportions in which they should be consumed for a healthy diet. 3. Explain that the activity will involve creating a balanced plate using the eatwell guide as a reference.

Activity Steps: 1. Divide the students into small groups and provide each group with a large sheet of paper or a whiteboard. 2. Display the eatwell guide on a screen or provide each group with a printed copy. 3. Explain that each group will be responsible for creating a balanced plate by identifying and placing foods in the appropriate sections of the eatwell guide. 4. Provide the groups with a variety of food pictures or cards representing different food items from each food group (e.g., fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy). 5. Instruct the students to discuss and decide which food items belong in each section of the eatwell guide based on their knowledge of healthy eating advice. 6. Encourage the students to consider portion sizes and the proportions recommended in the eatwell guide while selecting and placing the food items on their plates. 7. Once the groups have completed their balanced plates, ask them to present and explain their choices to the rest of the class. 8. Facilitate a class discussion on the similarities and differences between the groups’ choices, emphasizing the importance of variety and balance in a healthy eating plan. 9. Summarize the activity by highlighting the key points discussed and reinforcing the desired outcome of being able to contribute to a healthy eating plan by applying knowledge of the eatwell guide.

Extension: 1. Ask the students to reflect on their own eating habits and identify any changes they could make to align with the eatwell guide. 2. Encourage the students to create a personal healthy eating plan based on the eatwell guide, considering their own preferences and dietary needs. 3. Discuss the benefits of a balanced diet on physical and mental health, and encourage the students to share their thoughts and experiences.

Assessment: 1. Observe the students’ participation and engagement during the activity. 2. Assess the groups’ ability to correctly identify and place foods in the appropriate sections of the eatwell guide. 3. Evaluate the students’ understanding of the importance of a balanced diet and their ability to apply their knowledge to create a healthy eating plan.