Suggested HWB Experiences & Outcomes

  • I understand that people at different life stages have differing nutritional needs and that some people may eat or avoid certain foods. HWB 2-32a

Suggested Learning Intentions

  • To understand that people have different nutritional needs throughout their lives.
  • To recognise the role that different food groups play in keeping the body healthy.

Suggested Success Criteria (I can...)

  • Explain why people’s nutritional needs change at different stages of their lives. HWB 2-32a
  • Explain factors that may influence an individual’s decision to eat or avoid certain foods. HWB 2-32a
  • List the five nutrient groups. HWB 2-32a

Suggested Learning Experiences

The European Food Safety Authority has stated there is no evidence that food is a source of coronavirus (COVID-19) and it is very unlikely that it can be transmitted through the consumption of food. However, practical food activities including food sharing, tasting, preparation and cooking are probably going to be quite difficult to manage in a classroom setting during this initial period as children return to school. Fortunately there are still plenty of other relevant activities providing challenge and enjoyment for the children, including finding out about things they may have tried to cook at home.
  • Investigate the changes in body composition throughout ages and life stages eg growth ‘spurts’ that would bring about changes in nutritional requirements.
  • Investigate how nutritional needs may change during puberty.
  • Create a survey / questionnaire to find out the typical diet of pupils of the same age – analyse the findings and use this to evaluate whether most boys and girls in their class / school are getting an adequate balanced diet as depicted by the Eatwell Guide.
  • Remind children of the 5 nutrient groups from Eatwell guide that they will have learned about in First Level.
  • Brainstorm reasons why people may avoid certain foods eg, diabetes, religion, allergies, body image, athlete in training etc.
  • Research how particular practices and diets (eg. cultural diets, vegetarian diet, diabetes diet) require planning to ensure a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Plan a meal for someone who has special dietary requirements and justify food choices on offer eg. John is 10 years old, a keen footballer and has diabetes.
  • Investigate the school meals on offer to see if they meet the nutritional needs of all children and / or if they include special diets for children with specific food restrictions. Invite a School Meals Supervisor in and ask how school meals are planned to ensure that the nutritional needs of all children are met.
  • Consider what it would be like to be unable to eat certain foods that you enjoy eg, sugar – think of all the foods that contain sugar. How would your daily life be affected? How would you overcome this?
  • Invite dietitian/ health professional in to speak to children about  food allergies and how to respond in emergencies.