Fourth Grade Curriculum Resources
Standard of Learning
4.1 The student will explain how nutrition affects personal health and academic achievement. Key concepts/skills include:
- the nutrients needed for proper brain functioning;
- the importance of balance, variety, and moderation in a meal plan;
- the effects of malnutrition;
- the impact of nutrients on growth and development;
- the impact of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins on physical performance.
Understanding the Standard
The student will understand and describe malnutrition and its effect on the mind and body.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
The student will:
- define malnutrition. (the body does not get the nutrients it needs to grow and for the body systems to function properly)
-
describe the effects of malnutrition on the mind and body:
- vitamin deficiencies – unhealthy skin, teeth, and bones, difficulty concentrating, irritability, depression, and digestive problems;
- protein deficiencies – affects skin color, growth, and mental ability; and
- mineral deficiencies – most common is iron deficiency, which causes fatigue and illness, and calcium and magnesium deficiencies – weakens bones and teeth.
Sample Lessons
Feeding Minds, Fighting Hunger
Grades K-5
International classroom for exploring the problems of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity.
--What Is Hunger and Who Are the Hungry?
--Why Are People Hungry?
--What Can We Do to Help End Hunger?
Three or more class periods
Contact: http://www.feedingminds.org/level1/pri_level.htm
Free
Nutrition Education - Choices
Grade(s): 4
In this lesson students will learn how food, exercise and weight control are important.
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=953
Free
Nutrition Education - Dietary Solutions
Grade(s): 4
The students will understand how a healthy diet and exercise can increase the likelihood of physical and mental wellness. Also students will learn that nutritional problems can have solutions.
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=952
Free
Instructional Resources
- Kids Can Make a Difference - http://www.kidscanmakeadifference.org/hunfa.htm
- Kids Can Make a Difference - http://www.kidscanmakeadifference.org/cando.htm
- Malnutrition - http://www.nutrition.org.uk
Assessment Ideas
The student will:
- research a country that has a large number of people who suffer from malnutrition.
- explain how malnutrition affects the mind and body.
- make a list of activities you can do to help end hunger.
