About this resource
Students are asked to audit their cafeteria to determine how healthy their school lunch is. After the audit, students are tasked with the chore of creating a healthy, sustainable lunch menu for one week. Students can work together or independently.
Modifications for all Learners: All learners will have many options to present their learning, multiple modalities as needed.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
English Language Arts/Science
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s): I. INQUIRE Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems. A. Think - Learners display curiosity and initiative by: 1. Formulating questions about a personal interest or a curricular topic. 2. Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning.
III. COLLABORATE Work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and work toward common goals. D. Grow - Learners actively participate with others in learning situations by: 1. Actively contributing to group discussions. 2. Recognizing learning as a social responsibility.
Related STEM Area: Science
NGSS Main Life Science Standards:
Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
MS-LS1-7. Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
MS-LS2-4. Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
What students will do
- I will analyze the nutritional value of current school lunch.
- I will research current healthy food standards.
- I will create a week's worth of healthy lunch options.
- I will create sustainable recommendations for the school cafeteria.
I can analyze the nutritional value of current school lunch.
I can research current healthy food standards.
I can create a week's worth of healthy lunch options.
I can create sustainable recommendations for the school cafeteria.
Resources Needed
Internet access, Google Slides or similar presentation application, access to choosemyplate.gov, poster paper and markers, additional supplies as needed.
How learning is assessed
- I analyzed the nutritional value of current school lunch.
- I researched current healthy food standards.
- I created a week's worth of healthy lunch options.
- I created sustainable recommendations for the school cafeteria.