Students_Lesson 2

2. Nutrition & Bone Health

For the Teacher

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Nutrition and Bone Health

Teaching Notes

What This Lesson Covers:

Students learn how calcium, protein and vitamin D help strengthen bones and muscles. They explore the importance of diet and movement during growth.

Why It Matters:

Teenage years are critical for bone development. This lesson highlights practical steps to support lifelong health.

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Nutrient Focus

Calcium

Protein

Vitamin D

Builds strong bones

Supports muscle and bone development

Helps absorb calcium

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Daily Needs

5 servings from the dairy group (teens)

Examples: 200ml milk, 125g yogurt, 25g cheese

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Bone Talk

Bones continue to grow and develop until a person’s early 20s, reaching their peak density and strength during this time. Proper nutrition, including calcium and vitamin D, plays a crucial role in bone health, while regular weight-bearing exercise helps strengthen bones and maintain their density. Building strong bones early in life reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later on.

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Healthy Plate Activity

Create a day of meals using dairy to support bone health

Examples:

Including natural yogurt served with chopped berries as part of school lunch.

Starting the day with a bowl of warm porridge made with milk.

Including cheese cubes with chopped apple for small break.

Drinking a carton or bottle of School Milk each day.

Having a cupof warm milk before bed.

Having milk in soups or sauces at dinner time.

Including milkin scrambled egg or omelettes for dinner.

Making a snack of melted cheese on wholegrain toast.

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Movement Matters

Weight-bearing activities help strengthen bones by stimulating bone growth, increasing density, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

These include running, skipping and dancing.

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Nutrition & Bone Health

Quiz

Teaching Notes

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Nutrition & Bone Health

Quiz

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Nutrition & Bone Health

Quiz

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Nutrition & Bone Health

Quiz

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Nutrition & Bone Health

Quiz

For the Teacher

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Key Takeaways

Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for growth.

Daily dairy supports healthy bones.

Staying active keeps bones strong.

TEACHERS NOTES

Quiz

Nutrition & Bone Health

Time: 5-7 minutes. Students to be given “letter cards” so they can hold up their answers. Pair students up for this task