Week One
Subject: Home Economics
Class: Primary Four
Week of the Third Term: 1st Week
Topic: Meaning of Food and Nutrients
Subtopic: Definition of food, Definition of nutrients, Identifying food and nutrients
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Define food and explain its importance to the body.
- Identify different types of food and categorize them as nutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins).
- Demonstrate the ability to classify foods into their appropriate nutrient groups with the help of visual aids.
Entry Behaviour:
Before starting this lesson, pupils should have a basic understanding of common foods (e.g., rice, yam, fruits, and vegetables) and be familiar with the general concept of eating to stay healthy.
Instructional Materials:
- Textbook: Spectrum Home Economics for Primary School Book 4
- Visual aids: Pictures of different foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, grains, meats)
- Chart: Classification chart of food and nutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, etc.)
Reference Materials:
- Sobowale, S., Umar, C., & Ogbonna, S. (2017). Spectrum Home Economics for Primary School Book 4. Spectrum Book Limited, Lagos.
- Olaitan, S.O., & Mbah, C.O. (2017). Wabp Home Economics for Primary School Book 4. Spectrum Book Limited, Lagos.
Content:
Definition of Food
Food is anything we eat or drink that provides our bodies with the energy and nutrients we need to grow, stay healthy, and work properly. Food can come from plants or animals, and it can be in many different forms, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, grains, and dairy products.
Definition of Nutrients
Nutrients are the important substances in food that our bodies need to stay healthy and strong. There are different types of nutrients, and each one plays a special role. Some nutrients help our bodies grow, while others give us energy or help us stay healthy.
Identifying Food and Nutrients
Food provides us with different types of nutrients. Here are some examples:
- Carbohydrates: Found in foods like rice, bread, and potatoes. Carbohydrates give us energy to work and play.
- Proteins: Found in foods like meat, beans, and eggs. Proteins help our bodies grow and repair tissues.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These nutrients help our body stay strong and fight off sickness.
- Fats: Found in foods like butter, oils, and avocados. Fats give our bodies energy and help keep us warm.
Example of Identifying Foods and Nutrients
- Rice: Provides carbohydrates to give us energy.
- Chicken: Provides protein to help our muscles grow.
- Carrots: Provide vitamins and minerals that help us see better and stay healthy.
- Butter: Provides fats that give us energy and help our body absorb vitamins.
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure):
Step 1: Introduction
- Start the lesson by asking pupils, “What do you think food is, and why do we need food?”
- Share a simple story about a young girl who feels weak and tired because she hasn’t eaten for a long time. Then, explain how eating healthy foods helps to keep us strong and energized.
Step 2: Explanation
- Define food as anything we eat or drink that gives us energy and helps us grow.
- Introduce nutrients as substances in food that help our body perform various functions.
- Display pictures of foods (e.g., rice, beans, oranges) and briefly describe each food’s nutrient content (e.g., rice provides energy, beans provide protein).
Step 3: Demonstration
- Use the classification chart to demonstrate how to classify foods according to their nutrients.
- Show examples of food items (e.g., rice, fish, carrots) and ask pupils to help classify them into the right nutrient categories.
Step 4: Guided Practice
- Have pupils work in pairs to identify food items in the classroom or on display and classify them according to their nutrient groups.
- Walk around the class to assist and encourage pupils during the activity.
Step 5: Independent Practice
- Ask pupils to complete a worksheet where they draw or list their favorite foods and classify them under the appropriate nutrient group (e.g., Carbohydrates, Proteins, etc.).
Step 6: Feedback
- After pupils complete the worksheet, review the answers with the class.
- Provide feedback, addressing any misconceptions (e.g., confusion between foods that provide energy vs. those that build the body).
Evaluation:
Formative Assessment:
- Observe pupils during the guided practice and independent practice to check if they can correctly identify and classify different foods.
- Ask questions like, “What type of nutrient is rice?”, “Which food helps us grow stronger?”
Summative Assessment:
- At the end of the lesson, give pupils a short quiz where they match foods with their corresponding nutrients. Example: “Which food is rich in carbohydrates? a) Fish, b) Yam, c) Carrots.”
Summary/Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points: Food provides nutrients that help our body grow and stay healthy.
- Emphasize that different foods serve different functions (e.g., some give us energy, some help us grow, some protect us from sickness).
- Reinforce that a balanced diet includes a variety of foods from all nutrient groups.
Assignment:
- Ask pupils to list at least five foods they ate during the week and categorize them into the correct nutrient groups (Carbohydrates, Proteins, etc.).