Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6 & 7
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical And Health Education
Previous Lesson: Pathogens, Diseases and Their Prevention
Topic: Food, Nutrition And Health
Subject Matter: Meaning of food, Different types of food, Classes of food
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify the different types and classes of food.
(b) Explain the importance of food to the body. - Affective Domain:
(a) Develop a positive attitude towards eating balanced and nutritious meals. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Classify given food items into their correct food classes. - Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups while discussing the functions of various food classes.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools
- World Health Organization – “Healthy Diet” (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet)
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Real food samples or pictures of food items
- Food chart showing food classes and their sources
- Flash cards with names of different foods
- Whiteboard and markers
- A short video or poster on balanced diet
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand that food is necessary for growth, energy, and health, and that eating different classes of food in the right proportion promotes balanced nutrition.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils already know that food is something we eat to stay alive and have seen different food items eaten at home and school.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Food, Nutrition and Health
Meaning of Food
Food is any substance eaten or taken into the body to provide energy, promote growth, and repair worn-out tissues. Good food helps the body stay healthy and strong.
Types of Food
Foods can be grouped based on their origin and purpose.
The following are the types of food:
- Animal-based foods: These come from animals. Examples include meat, milk, fish, and eggs.
- Plant-based foods: These come from plants. Examples include rice, beans, maize, fruits, and vegetables.
- Processed foods: These are foods that have been changed from their natural form. Examples include bread, butter, and canned foods.
Classes of Food
Foods are grouped into six main classes based on their functions in the body.
The following are the six classes of food and their functions:
- Carbohydrates: They provide energy for work and play. Examples include yam, rice, cassava, and maize.
- Proteins: They help in body growth and repair of worn-out tissues. Examples include beans, meat, fish, and eggs.
- Fats and Oils: They provide heat and extra energy. Examples include butter, groundnut oil, and palm oil.
- Vitamins: They help the body to resist diseases and stay healthy. Examples include fruits and vegetables like orange, carrot, and spinach.
- Mineral Salts: They help in building strong bones and teeth and proper body functioning. Examples include milk, salt, and leafy vegetables.
- Water: It aids digestion, regulates body temperature, and helps in transporting nutrients around the body.
Importance of Food to Health
Food is essential for the survival and proper functioning of the body.
The following are the importance of food:
- Food provides energy for work and play.
- It helps in body growth and repair.
- It protects the body against diseases.
- It helps the body stay strong and healthy.
- It replaces worn-out cells and tissues.
- It keeps the body warm and active.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Explanation, Group Work, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher displays pictures of different foods and asks pupils to name them and describe what they are used for.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and name the foods shown.
Learning Point: Pupils are motivated and prepared for the lesson.
Step 2: Meaning and Types of Food
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of food and discusses its types using charts and examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and identify foods based on their origin.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and types of food.
Step 3: Classes of Food
Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion and Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the six classes of food, showing real or pictured examples and stating their functions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils classify given food samples into the correct classes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the six classes of food and their importance.
Step 4: Importance of Food to Health
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the importance of food in maintaining good health and energy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention reasons why eating good food is important.
Learning Point: Pupils know why food is essential for healthy living.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes or dictates the summarized notes for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write notes neatly in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written summary of the lesson.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is food?
- Mention two types of food and examples of each.
- List the six classes of food.
- State two importance of food to health.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson objectives.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to eat balanced diets daily.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the need for proper nutrition.
Home Task: Describe or illustrate one lesson example of Food, Nutrition And Health and include one safety or performance rule. Do not practise a risky activity without adult supervision.
Lesson Keywords
- Nutrition – the process of taking in and using food.
- Carbohydrates – foods that give energy.
- Proteins – foods that build and repair body tissues.
- Vitamins – substances that help the body stay healthy.
- Minerals – nutrients that strengthen bones and teeth.
Differentiation
Teacher provides extra support for slower learners through visual aids and repeated examples, while fast learners identify and group more food items independently.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure pupils can identify real-life examples of foods in their environment. Reinforce practical understanding through food grouping activities and short discussions about healthy eating habits.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +