New
New
Year 8

Food is a source of building materials and energy

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.

New
New
Year 8

Food is a source of building materials and energy

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.

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Lesson details

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.

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.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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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