4.5 Trail Mix Math
“Trail Mix Math” is a middle school food science lesson in which students calculate the caloric value of a trail mix recipe by interpreting packaged food labels and researching non-packaged foods on the USDA National Nutrient Database. Students apply math concepts to determine total calories and calories per serving, then create a flowchart of the six-step process. The lesson reinforces interpreting nutrition labels while making a healthy snack.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- As a result of this unit the student will critique food labels and claims
- As a result of this lesson, the student will evaluate and research nutritional content of food products
- Apply math concepts related to interpreting and calculating information on food labels
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes.
- Grade level
- Middle School
- Materials
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- Overhead projector/transparencies
- Dry roasted peanuts (non-salted or salted) – 2 pounds
- Cashews (salted or non-salted) – 2 pounds
- Raisins – 2 pounds
- M&M candies (peanut or plain) – 2 pounds
- Flaked coconut – ½ pound
- Packaged Trail Mix – 1 bag/package for Interest Approach
- Large mixing bowl
- Large mixing spoon
- Styrofoam coffee cups – 1 per student
- Computer and LCD projector with Internet access (If not available, search the food data for each ingredient and create copies for each student.)
- Calculators – one per student
- MS.FS.4.5.AS.A – one per student
- MS.FS.4.5.TM.A – one per student or display using LCD projector
- MS.FS.4.5.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Lesson Number
- MS.FS.4.5
- Curriculum
- Middle School Food and Agricultural Literacy Curriculum
- Precepts
- B. Relationships; B2. Interact and work with others.
- Key Terms
- Serving Size; Calories; Calories Per Serving
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- FPP.03.01.03.b.Compare and contrast the nutritive value of food and food groups.
- FPP.03.01.04.a.Discuss common food constituents (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals).
- NL-ENG.K-12.12Applying Language Skills
- NS.5-8.6Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
- NT.K-12.5Technology Research Tools.