Nutrition Activities for Middle School

Kids in middle school are on the brink of their teenage years. They will have more opportunities for social outings, which means more chances to make wise choices. Help them establish good eating habits. Positive messages about their bodies, nutrition and health can be learned at this time to help carry them into their teen years and beyond.

Integrated Cross Curriculum Ideas

• Learning about the nutrition in ethnic foods can expand their palate.

  Take nutrition out of the isolated context of health class by integrating nutrition tips into other areas of study. If the class is learning about world cultures, include a tasting party with healthy foods from those regions. Point out the health benefits of the Japanese rice and fish dishes, the legume and tortilla entrees from Mexico and the advantages of living in the tropics with fresh fruit in abundance. Assign them the task of researching the vitamin and nutrition content of a chosen cultural food and report on it.

Down on the Farm

• Visit a farm to learn about locally grown foods.

  Plan a field trip to a farm to learn about the origins of local foods. Divide them into groups and have them plan balanced meals centered around locally grown foods. Have them report on the nutrition content in each dish.

Dear Diary

• Keeping a journal of food intake can be revealing for kids.

  Create a spreadsheet for the purpose of creating a food diary. Have them record their food intake for one week and let them evaluate what kinds of foods may be missing from their diets. Help them create a plan for healthy eating that works for them.

Demonstration Time

• When kids plan and prepare meals, they learn about the importance of good nutrition.

  Divide the class in small groups of 4 or 5. Assign each group the task of planning a food demonstration to present to a younger class. Each group could prepare one part of the meal. Group A makes the salad, Group B presents a bread or appetizer, Group C prepares the main course, etc. Have the kids do as much as possible on their own.

Guest Speaker

• Healthy habits include avoidance of harmful substances.

  Invite a guest speaker from a local AAA chapter or non-smoking organization, or a substance-abuse recovery facility. The purpose of the visit is to define the long-term effects that drugs, cigarettes and alcohol have on good health and nutrition.