Understanding the Nutrition Information Panel 

This unit unpacks the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) on packaged food. It demystifies the sometimes complicated range of terms and figures, and explores how the NIP can be co-opted by advertising techniques.

The World Health Organisation says that for good health, we should limit our daily added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day. On average, Australians consume 14-16 teaspoons per day. Teenagers consume more than 20. Eating too much added sugar is a key driver of serious health problems including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, dementia and mental health conditions. A poor diet also puts children behind their peers, affecting brain development, sleep and ability to learn.

This Math unit teaches students how to evaluate the sugar content of the food that they're eating. It introduces and contextualises the NIP, explains its key features, and touches on the way in which different figures can be manipulated or changed to increase perceived nutritional value. 

 

These lessons were developed in partnership with SugarByHalf and the Australian Dental Association.

Tuning in

A tuning in activity helps students to define and focus on the issues they will be dealing with in the unit of work.

  1. SugarByHalf – Portion Problems – Math – Years 5 & 6
    SugarByHalf – Portion Problems – Math – Years 5 & 6

Finding Out

Students will need to obtain more information about the issues they are going to investigate. They can identify questions of interest and research these either in small groups or on their own. Once information is gathered, it can be shared using chosen communication methods e.g. short presentations. Students can continue finding out by completing a range of investigations, including gathering data. They use appropriate methods to present and communicate what they have found out.

  1. SugarByHalf – Ranking Sugar Percentages – Math – Years 5 & 6
    SugarByHalf – Ranking Sugar Percentages – Math – Years 5 & 6
  2. SugarByHalf – Investigating ‘Lite’ Foods – Math – Years 5 & 6
    SugarByHalf – Investigating ‘Lite’ Foods – Math – Years 5 & 6

Considering Social Action

Students are given opportunities to apply their learning in real world situations, in the classroom, school, home or the local community.

  1. SugarByHalf – Multiplication and Menus – Math – Years 5 & 6
    SugarByHalf – Multiplication and Menus – Math – Years 5 & 6