Magic Bullets: Chemistry vs. Cancer

    Go to student version

    You Become What You Eat:
    Reading Food Labels

    Menu

    Introduction
    Answers to Student Questions
    For more information, at other Web sites...
    Relevant National Science Education Standards
    Relevant New Jersey State Science Education Standards

    Introduction

    It may be difficult to develop the concept that foods contain specific chemicals. Students are, however, probably familiar with nutritional labels that show the major nutrients. You can use students' prior knowledge to explain the presence of phytochemicals in foods. This activity is a natural introduction to the discussion of phytochemicals.

    Many students—and adults—are often confused by information on nutritonal labels. Even though this activity is not about cancer and nutrition directly, the background it provides is useful. In addition, any activity that empowers students to make decisions about their health is worthwhile.

    Answers to Student Questions

    1. How many servings are there in this container?

        2 servings

    2. On the sample label, what is the total volume of the product?

        480 ml (240 ml per serving × 2 servings per container)

    3. Calculate the total calories from all the food in this container.

        260 calories (130 calories per serving × 2 servings per container)

    4. You might think about % Daily Value as your "allowance" of that nutrient. The number on the label tells what part of your allowance this food uses up. Give the percent of your daily allowance remaining after eating one serving of this food:

      a. total fat

        100% – 5% = 95%

      b. sodium

        100% – 37% = 63%

      c. cholesterol

        100% – 7% = 93%

    5. From the numbers on this label, what is the allowable daily weight of

      a. sodium intake?

        2308 milligrams (~2.3 g)

      b. dietary fiber intake?

        2 servings

      c. total carbohydrate?

        2 servings

    For more information, at other Web sites...

      The Food Label — an interactive food label activity from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Relevant National Science Education Standards

      Science in Personal and Social Perspectives — The activity focuses on personal nutritional health.

    Relevant New Jersey State Science Education Standards

      5.3 The activity requires math calculations for successful completion.
      5.5 The activity is about the nutrients required by the body.

     

    Back to:

    You Become What You Eat

    Teacher's Guide Directory | Student Version Directory | Pharmaceutical Achievers Home

    Copyright ©2001 The Chemical Heritage Foundation