Are you planning classes for your homeschooled high schooler? One class that I am requiring of my four children is a course in food and nutrition. Everyone eats throughout their lives, so learning about nutrition provides practical lifelong skills.
My Food and Nutrition class provides students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the role of nutrition in health and wellness and to develop practical food preparation, nutrition, and consumer skills. The course covers wellness and nutrition, food shopping skills, food handling and preparation skills, and mealtime management. Each of the eight units culminates in a final review project. Students additionally develop practical skills through the preparation of a variety of recipes. My free syllabus (click on the image below to download the syllabus) includes grade guidelines and a calendar schedule.
The class requires two texts: Discovering Food and Nutrition (7th edition) by Helen Kowtaluk and the accompanying Discovering Food and Nutrition Student Workbook. The textbook is available secondhand through websites such as Thrift Books. The workbook is available through Amazon.
Learning about food and nutrition in high school is important for several compelling reasons. Firstly, students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to make informed and healthy dietary choices. In an era in which fast food and processed snacks are readily available, understanding the fundamentals of nutrition empowers young individuals to navigate a landscape filled with both nutritious and unhealthy options.
Secondly, a solid foundation in food and nutrition fosters lifelong habits that contribute to overall well-being. Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, and proper nutrition is essential for physical, cognitive, and emotional maturation. By learning about the key nutrients, their functions, and their dietary sources, students are better equipped to fuel their bodies optimally, promoting healthy growth and development.
Furthermore, education in food and nutrition serves as a vital tool in the prevention of diet-related diseases. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are increasingly prevalent, often stemming from poor dietary choices. By educating about the impact of nutrition on health, high schoolers can take proactive steps towards disease prevention, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving overall public health.
Additionally, understanding food and nutrition fosters a sense of culinary independence. Students gain proficiency in meal planning, food preparation, and cooking techniques, enabling them to create nutritious and delicious meals for themselves and, potentially, their future families. This practical skill set not only supports physical health but also encourages self-sufficiency and fosters a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts. Incorporating food and nutrition education into high school curricula is a cornerstone of holistic education, empowering students with the tools to make informed, healthy choices.
Image Credits
Food and Nutrition High School Homeschool Class (Syllabus and Schedule): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Man_preparing_food_in_restauran_Closeup_of_red_and_green_peppers._(49152558052).jpg CC BY 2.0 DEED
