Lesson on Nutrition for Primary 3

Hello, young learners! Welcome back to Primary 3 Basic Science & Technology. In our previous lesson, we learned about Care of the Body. Today, we’re going to learn about Nutrition.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define nutrition.
• Identify the different classes of food.
• Explain the functions of each class of food.

Nutrition – Meaning Of Nutrition

Nutrition is the process of providing our body with the essential foods and liquids it needs to grow and stay healthy. To achieve this, the body needs to take in certain nutrients in each meal.

Classes of Food and Their Functions:

There are six main classes of food, each providing specific nutrients to our bodies:

1. Carbohydrates – These are our energy-giving foods. They provide the fuel our bodies need to move, play, and think. Some examples of carbohydrates include bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes.
2. Proteins – These are our body-building foods. They help our bodies grow and repair tissues. Some examples of proteins include meat, fish, eggs, beans, and lentils.
3. Fats – Fats provide stored energy and essential fatty acids that are important for our health. Some examples of fats include butter, oil, and nuts.
4. Vitamins – Vitamins are essential for many bodily functions. They help us fight off diseases and keep our bodies working properly. Some examples of vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D. We can find vitamins in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
5. Minerals – Minerals are also important for many bodily functions. They help our bodies perform certain activities and prevent some diseases. Some examples of minerals include calcium, iron, and zinc. We can find minerals in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat.
6. Water – Water is essential for life. It helps to regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and remove waste products. We need to drink plenty of water every day to stay healthy.

Evaluation Questions

Now that you’ve learned about nutrition, let’s see if you can answer these questions:

1. What is nutrition?
2. Can you name the six classes of food?
3. Give one function for each class of food you named.
4. Why is water important to our body?
5. What are some examples of foods that provide carbohydrates?
6. What are some examples of foods that provide proteins?

Conclusions or Summary

Remember, eating a variety of foods from all six classes is important for a healthy body. Don’t forget to check the comments section if you have any questions, and use the navigation to move to the next lesson. See you in the next lesson!