Education Technology


Eating and Exercise (MG)

Activity Overview

In this lesson, students will use a simulation to observe and manipulate the factors that affect weight over time.

Objectives

  • Students will learn how food and exercise work together to determine weight loss, gain, or maintenance over time and that a balance is needed.
  • Students will discover how their daily intake of calories from proteins, carbohydrates, and fats compares to the recommended daily allowance for middle school age.
  • Students will learn that daily exercise will raise their basic metabolic rate (BMR), calories burned while at rest.

Vocabulary

  • Biometrics
  • Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR)
  • carbohydrates (carbs)
  • proteins
  • fats
  • nutrient
  • percent body fat
  • Calorie
  • Four Food Groups
  • lifestyle

About the Lesson

Adapted from a PhETTM simulation, this lesson involves students using TI-Nspire technology to simulate, observe, and manipulate the factors that affect weight over time.

As a result, students will:

  • Reinforce understanding of the interaction between food intake and exercise on weight gain and how they can utilize tools to help them make good choices.
  • Understand that maintaining an optimal weight is important to maintaining good health and that a balance is needed between eating and exercise.
  • Recognize that they should follow expert recommendations for food and exercise types and amounts.
PhET is a trademark owned by the Regents of the University of Colorado, which was not involved in the production of, nor do they endorse this product.