In the Classroom
One of the best ways to encourage students to learn about good food and proper nutrition is with hands-on activities. While kindergarteners will delight in choosing ingredients for a special classroom granola, students in high school can learn the science behind an emulsion with homemade mayonnaise. Use this list as a jumping point to explore the world of food with students.
Elementary School
Create a list of favorite lunches to share with families
Build a baking soda volcano
Brainstorm a hypothetical restaurant, discussing different food themes and dishes to be served
Create a replacement menu for fast-food restaurant
Make a list of healthy snacks for students to keep with them during the day
Mix a fruit salad
Ask students to write about their favorite family meal
Make pesto in a blender
Stuff beans inside empty toilet paper rolls, seal and use as maracas
Grow an avocado in a cup
Fill a bowl with beans (or any small food) and discuss estimation
Practice measuring with bowls of flour or water and sets of measuring spoons and cups
Read a recipe in the classroom and make the food as a group, discussing how a recipe is structured and the importance of following directions
Take a trip to a local farm
Invite a farmer to visit the classroom
Make butter by shaking a jar filled with milk
Read the book Stone Soup and then make the soup in the classroom
Middle School
Ask students to create a week-long meal plan for a family of four, using a limited budget
Identify fruits and veggies from your area, and research each food’s growing season
Designing a breakfast to share with families and serve it to them in the classroom
Visit a restaurant and write a review
Create a game show: What is the Healthy Choice?
Grow a window box of herbs
Have a bake sale and donate profits to a charity of the class’ choice
Start a food drive for your school
Write a recipe for a favorite food
Host a lemonade stand in the cafeteria
Ask students to recalculate a recipe based on double or triple servings
High School
Make mayonnaise to learn about emulsion
Analyze food and meals for calories and fat content
Teach students about good fats versus bad fats
Food challenges: create a dish with three specific ingredients
Invite a chef, baker, grocery store manager or other food-related professional to speak to the class
Bring in some foods and have students track the journey from their origin to your classroom
Write an article comparing the healthy options of two fast-food restaurants
Plant a vegetable garden in the schoolyard
Have students swap recipes to take home and prepare—come back with comments/suggestions for the writer, based on how accurate the recipe’s directions were
Volunteer at soup kitchens
Study various world regions and identify the climates and indigenous foods for each area
Start a food drive for the community
