Lesson Plan

Nutrition Detective Plan

Students will identify the five food groups and assemble a balanced meal by analyzing nutrition clues through interactive sorting and sketching.

Building healthy eating habits early supports lifelong wellness. This lesson empowers 6th graders to recognize meal components and make informed nutrition choices.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Nutrition Recall

5 minutes

Step 2

Slide Presentation: Plate Components

10 minutes

Step 3

Activity: Nutrition Detective Game

20 minutes

Step 4

Independent Practice: Balanced Meal Sketch

10 minutes

Step 5

Assessment & Reflection

5 minutes

Step 6

Differentiation Strategies

Ongoing

Slide Deck

Plate Components: The Five Food Groups

Welcome students. Introduce today’s objective: learn the five food groups to build balanced meals. Ask: “What comes to mind when you hear ‘balanced plate’?”

Grains

Explain that grains are our main energy source. Ask: “What whole-grain foods have you tried?” Highlight difference between whole and refined grains.

Vegetables

Point out the color variety in vegetables. Ask: “Which color vegetable is your favorite and why?” Emphasize vitamins and minerals.

Fruits

Discuss that fruits often taste sweet because of natural sugars. Ask: “Is fruit juice as good as whole fruit? Why or why not?”

Protein Foods

Explain that protein helps build and repair body tissues. Ask students to name plant-based vs animal protein sources.

Dairy

Highlight calcium’s role in bone health. Ask: “Who drinks milk or a dairy alternative at home?” Discuss lactose-free and plant-based options.

Discussion & Reflection

Guide a short discussion. Prompt students to think about how they include each group in their meals.