A nutritious field trip

A class trip to the local grocery store is an engaging way to reinforce a unit on nutrition as students make connections between a real-life experience and their classroom learning. Research shows that students often remember a field trip well into adulthood and even recall specific exhibits and facts.1 and 2 Field trips generally bring to mind a trip to a museum, zoo, or nature center, but a field trip to a grocery store provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of nutrition science and food choices.

Research has shown that nutrition education programs can effectively improve the dietary behavior of children.3 and 4 Nutrition education in students’ elementary school experiences should focus on lessons that teach about the importance of choosing healthful food. This field trip can be connected to a unit in which students learn about food groups and ultimately work together to create a list of nutritious and healthful meal choices. It has been written for grade 3, but it can be adapted to meet the needs of older students.