Math is part of life just waiting to be discovered, so teachers need to find ways to help students develop “math vision.” Nutrition is one cross-curriculum area where math can be discovered and used.
Directions:
Bring at least 5 empty (or full) packages of a variety of processed foods such as cereals, yogurt, cookies, ice cream, candy bars, soda cans, canned goods, etc.
Fill in the data collection sheet to collect information on sugar, fat, other carbohydrates, sodium, and fiber.
There are:
- 4.2 grams of sugar in a teaspoon*
- 2400 mg. of sodium per teaspoon of salt (see links below)
Divide grams of sugar by 4.2 to find out how many teaspoons of sugar.
To calculate the fat percentage of the food:
a) Multiply the number of grams of fat by the number 9 (9 calories per gram of fat).
b) Divide this number by the total calories per serving.
c) The result is the percentage of fat calories (ideally should be less than 25).
How would you find out the number of teaspoons of sodium?
What other kinds of questions could you ask with this data? Ask your questions and then trade with another team.
How can math be brought into real life projects? Discuss the Breakfast Science and Math handout.
Web Resources:
*“You Asked Us” (February, 2004). Prevention.
