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      Food is a source of building materials and energy

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how food is used for growth and repair and to provide energy, and interpret information on food labels about the amounts of nutrients and energy provided by different foods.

      Key learning points

      1. Food is a source of building materials to make biomass for growth and repair.
      2. Food also provides the fuel for cellular respiration, to provide energy for life processes.
      3. Different individuals require different daily amounts of food and energy.
      4. Food labels contain information on the content of the food and daily recommended amounts of nutrients and energy.
      5. The amount of energy provided by food can be compared in kilojoules or calories.

      Keywords

      • Food - Source of building materials and energy for living organisms.

      • Biomass - Dry mass of a living organism.

      • Joule - Unit of energy.

      • Kilojoule - 1 kilojoule is 1000 joules.

      • Calorie - Unit of energy used on food labels.

      Common misconception

      Protein is the main source of energy in our diets.

      Carbohydrates and fats are the main source of energy in our diets.

      Teacher tip

      During the lesson encourage students to think about how active they are in a day. They will be using more energy than an adult because they are growing but they should try to move naturally through out the day. For example walking to school.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What type of organism always starts a food chain?

      Consumer
      Herbivore
      Correct answer: Producer

      Q2.
      Which types of organisms are producers?

      Correct answer: algae
      Correct answer: plants
      fungi
      animals

      Q3.
      A cow eats grass, therefore it is known as a consumer.

      Correct Answer: primary

      Q4.
      Which foods have a high fat content?

      apple
      Correct answer: butter
      Correct answer: cheese
      pasta
      water

      Q5.
      Match up the food group to its function in the body.

      Correct Answer:carbohydrate,provides energy

      provides energy

      Correct Answer:fat,provides energy, insulation and are in cell membranes

      provides energy, insulation and are in cell membranes

      Correct Answer:protein,builds cells and tissues

      builds cells and tissues

      Correct Answer:mineral e.g. calcium,helps to strengthen bones and teeth

      helps to strengthen bones and teeth

      Q6.
      True or false? Taking a vitamin tablet is the only way to get vitamins.

      An image in a quiz
      true
      Correct answer: false

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The arrows in a food chain show the transfer of...

      An image in a quiz
      consumers
      Correct answer: food
      producers
      uneaten parts

      Q2.
      The dry mass of a living organism is known as .

      Correct Answer: biomass

      Q3.
      True or false? Food is a fuel for your body.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: true
      false

      Q4.
      Sort these people into order based on the amount of carbohydrate and protein they need in their diet. Start with the person that needs the most.

      1 - Alex is 12, she plays sport four times a week and walks to school each day.
      2 - Sarah is 34, she plays football once a week and works on a farm at weekends.
      3 - Jim is 55, he plays darts and works at a desk.

      Q5.
      True or false? One kilojoule is the same as 100 joules.

      true
      Correct answer: false

      Q6.
      How many kilojoules of energy is provided by a portion of this cereal?

      An image in a quiz
      116
      Correct answer: 491
      8400
      2000

      To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Food is a source of building materials and energy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...