Title: Decoding Food Labels: Understanding Nutrition Fact Tables

Grade Level: 8th Grade Subject: Health Education

Objective: - Students will be able to read and interpret food labels, specifically the Nutrition Fact Table, to make informed and healthier food choices. - Students will understand the importance of reading food labels for maintaining a balanced diet and overall health. - Students will be able to identify key nutrients and their recommended daily intake.

Materials: - Various food packages with Nutrition Fact Tables (preferably from low-cost food items) - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Handouts with sample Nutrition Fact Tables - Worksheets with food label reading exercises - Pencils or pens

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of making healthy food choices and how reading food labels can help in this process.
   • Ask students if they have ever read food labels before and if they know what information can be found on them.
   • Explain that today’s lesson will focus on understanding and interpreting the Nutrition Fact Table, which provides vital information about the nutritional content of a food item.
2. Understanding the Nutrition Fact Table (15 minutes):
   • Display a sample Nutrition Fact Table on the board and explain the different sections, such as serving size, calories, and nutrients.
   • Discuss the significance of serving size and how it affects the nutritional values listed.
   • Explain the meaning of key nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
   • Emphasize the importance of paying attention to the % Daily Value (%DV) column, which indicates how much of each nutrient a serving provides based on a 2000-calorie diet.
3. Analyzing Food Labels (20 minutes):
   • Distribute food packages with Nutrition Fact Tables to small groups of students.
   • Instruct students to examine the labels and identify the serving size, calories, and key nutrients.
   • Encourage students to calculate the %DV for each nutrient and discuss the significance of high or low values.
   • Have each group present their findings to the class, highlighting any observations or questions they may have.
4. Identifying Healthy Choices (15 minutes):
   • Provide handouts with sample Nutrition Fact Tables for students to analyze individually.
   • Ask students to identify which food items are healthier choices based on their nutritional content.
   • Discuss as a class and encourage students to explain their reasoning for their choices.
   • Emphasize the importance of considering the overall nutritional value of a food item rather than focusing on a single nutrient.
5. Application and Reflection (10 minutes):
   • Distribute worksheets with food label reading exercises.
   • Instruct students to read the Nutrition Fact Tables and answer the questions provided.
   • Allow time for students to complete the worksheets individually or in pairs.
   • Discuss the answers as a class, addressing any misconceptions or difficulties encountered.
   • Conclude the lesson by asking students to reflect on what they have learned and how they can apply this knowledge to make healthier food choices in their daily lives.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during class discussions and group activities. - Evaluate students’ understanding through their ability to correctly interpret Nutrition Fact Tables and make informed decisions about food choices on the worksheets. - Provide feedback and guidance during individual and group presentations to ensure comprehension.

Note: Adapt the lesson plan as needed to suit the specific needs and resources available in your classroom.