Food Groups: Essential Nutrients

This Storyboard That activity is part of the lesson plans for Food Groups


Essential Nutrients Spider Map


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Activity Overview

After students have learned about the food groups, it's essential that they also understand what nutrient groups are! In this activity, students will create a spider map that defines each of the different essential nutrients. Students should be sure to illustrate examples alongside their definition. They can easily find many photos of food using the search bar and Photos for Class and put them effortlessly into their storyboard.

Students will look at the seven different nutrient groups: carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and water.


Nutrient Example Use
Carbohydrate Pasta, Bread, and Potatoes The body uses carbohydrates to provide energy.
Proteins Fish, Meat, and Eggs The body uses protein for repair and growth.
Fats Olive Oil, Butter, and Lard The body uses fats for energy, but can also store them to insulate for warmth.
Vitamins Vitamin A - Carrots
Vitamin B - Eggs
Vitamin C - Oranges
Vitamin D - Oily Fish		 The body needs small amounts of vitamins to keep us healthy. Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight. Vitamin C helps us repair and regenerate tissue.
Minerals Calcium - Milk
Iron - Red Meat
Potassium - Bananas
Magnesium - Avocados		 The body needs small amounts of minerals to keep us healthy. Calcium is important for bone growth. Iron is essential in the production of red blood cells.
Fiber Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, and Artichokes Not actually used by the body, fiber provides roughage to aid digestion and keep food moving through the digestive system.
Water Cucumber, Soda, and Water The body uses water for cells and body fluids.


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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)


Student Instructions

Create a spider map that describes the different essential nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and water.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Label the title boxes with each of the seven different nutrient groups.
  3. Use the internet, books, or your own knowledge to find examples of the seven different nutrient groups.
  4. Search for images of these examples and include them in the cell.
  5. In the description boxes, write a summary of what these nutrient groups are used for in the body.

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