
Week Three
Subject: Home Economics
Class: Primary Four
Week of the Third Term: 3rd Week
Topic: Classes of Food Nutrients and Their Sources
Subtopic: Types of food nutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins), Sources of nutrients (e.g., yam, rice)
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify the different types of food nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, fats, and minerals).
- Name food sources for each type of nutrient (e.g., yam for carbohydrates, fish for proteins).
- Explain the importance of each nutrient for the body and identify common food sources.
Entry Behaviour:
Before starting this lesson, pupils should already have a basic understanding of what food is and its role in our bodies. They may be familiar with common foods and their uses.
Instructional Materials:
- Textbook: Spectrum Home Economics for Primary School Book 4
- Visual aids: Flashcards with pictures of foods and the nutrients they provide (e.g., yam, rice for carbohydrates; fish, beans for proteins).
- Charts: A chart showing the different nutrients and their sources.
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:
Classes of Food Nutrients and Their Sources
1. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates give us energy to do things like play, run, and think. They are the body’s main source of energy.
Sources of Carbohydrates:
- Rice
- Yam
- Bread
- Potatoes
- Sugar
- Fruits (like bananas and apples)
- Vegetables (like carrots and sweet potatoes)
2. Proteins
Proteins help our bodies grow and repair tissues like muscles, skin, and organs. They are important for building strong muscles and keeping us healthy.
Sources of Proteins:
- Meat (like chicken, beef, and fish)
- Eggs
- Beans
- Nuts (like peanuts and almonds)
- Milk
- Cheese
- Lentils
3. Fats
Fats give our body extra energy and help keep our organs safe. They also help our body absorb certain vitamins and keep our skin healthy.
Sources of Fats:
- Butter
- Oil (like olive oil and vegetable oil)
- Avocados
- Cheese
- Nuts (like cashews and walnuts)
- Meat (like beef and lamb)
4. Vitamins
Vitamins help our body work properly. They are important for things like eyesight, skin health, and fighting off illnesses.
Sources of Vitamins:
- Vitamin A (found in carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes)
- Vitamin C (found in oranges, tomatoes, and strawberries)
- Vitamin D (found in milk, eggs, and sunlight)
- Vitamin E (found in nuts, seeds, and green vegetables)
- Vitamin K (found in leafy greens like spinach and kale)
5. Minerals
Minerals help our bodies stay strong. They are important for making our bones and teeth strong, and for keeping our heart and muscles working well.
Sources of Minerals:
- Calcium (found in milk, cheese, and leafy greens)
- Iron (found in meat, beans, and spinach)
- Potassium (found in bananas, potatoes, and oranges)
- Magnesium (found in nuts, seeds, and green vegetables)
6. Water
Water is not a nutrient, but it is very important for our body to stay hydrated and work properly. It helps us digest food, remove waste, and stay cool.
Sources of Water:
- Water
- Juices
- Fruits (like watermelon and oranges)
- Vegetables (like cucumbers and tomatoes)
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure):
Step 1: Introduction
- Begin by asking the pupils, “What kind of food do you eat every day?”
- Show flashcards with pictures of food and ask the class to identify them.
- Tell the class that food is made up of different nutrients, and each nutrient has a special job in the body.
Step 2: Explanation
- Explain the five main types of food nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Discuss each nutrient’s function and give examples of food that provide each nutrient.
- Use visual aids and the chart to show food items and the nutrients they provide.
Step 3: Demonstration
- Hold up pictures or real examples of food (e.g., yam for carbohydrates, fish for proteins).
- As you show the food, explain which nutrient it provides and how it benefits the body.
- Ask pupils to suggest other foods that fit each nutrient category.
Step 4: Guided Practice
- Write the names of food nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, etc.) on the board.
- Ask pupils to take turns matching foods to the correct nutrient on the board. For example, “Where does yam go?” and “What nutrient does yam provide?”
- Work together as a class to fill in the chart.
Step 5: Independent Practice
- Provide each pupil with a worksheet where they match different foods with the nutrients they provide.
- For example, the worksheet could include food items like rice, chicken, milk, and vegetables, and pupils must write next to each food the nutrient it provides.
Step 6: Feedback
- Review the answers with the class, addressing any mistakes and reinforcing the correct answers.
- Ask the pupils to share some of the foods they eat at home and the nutrients those foods provide.
Evaluation:
Formative Assessment:
- Observe pupils’ participation in the class discussion and matching activity.
- Review the worksheets to ensure pupils can correctly identify the nutrients and their sources.
Summative Assessment:
- At the end of the lesson, ask pupils to list three foods and state which nutrient each food provides (e.g., “Rice gives carbohydrates, Chicken gives protein”).
- Give a short quiz where pupils match food items to their correct nutrients.
Summary/Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points: The five main types of nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Each nutrient has a special job to help keep the body healthy.
- Remind pupils of some examples of foods that provide each nutrient.
Assignment:
- Ask pupils to list five foods they eat at home and write down which nutrient each food provides (e.g., “Rice – Carbohydrates, Fish – Protein”).

