Nutrition School Enrichment Kits

Photo of Sam Isaacson teaching about pudding in the classroom

Nutrition School Enrichment Kits

Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County has developed Nutrition School Enrichment Kits, which include lessons and supplies for grade-specific, hands-on learning activities to teach students about health, nutrition and physical activity. Participating classrooms spend an average of five–six hours using the kits through Extension team members and teachers. This curriculum was adopted as core health curriculum in Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) elementary schools, but it is also available statewide. This 4-H school enrichment program meets LPS health curriculum objectives and national health standards. Teachers consistently give this program excellent reviews! Pre- and post-evaluations show students gain significant improvements in knowledge and health-related behaviors.

Check Out a Nutrition Kit

Classroom kits include lessons and supplies for grade-specific, hands-on learning activities to teach students about health, nutrition and physical activity. Parochial and school districts within Lancaster County can reserve your kit below. For more information, contact Extension Educator Alyssa Havlovic at 402-441-7180 or ahavlovic2@unl.edu.

Reserve Your Kit
an Extension educator and a teacher looking at a tote full of hands-on activities and books

KIT DESCRIPTIONS BY GRADE

Food Fun!

Kindergarten

Kindergarten youth discover food is fun as they learn:

  • Why food is important for good health
  • The five basic food groups that help keep the body healthy
  • The five senses and to associate sensory organs with senses
colorful fruits and vegetables

Healthy Me!

1st Grade

First graders discover:

  • Why their bodies need food
  • How their bodies use this food
  • How to plan a balanced meal
  • How to choose healthy snacks
healthy snacks for kids

MyPlate Party

2nd Grade

Through a variety of activities, second graders discover:

  • Why balanced meals are important
  • The digestive process
  • How to make healthful food choices
portion sizes of a variety of foods

Let's Eat Smart!

3rd Grade

Third graders discover:

  • How our body gets important nutrients
  • How to read food labels
  • Safe storage of foods
nutrition facts label

Rate that Plate!

4th Grade

Fourth graders will enjoy learning how to:

  • Explain why your body needs water, vitamins and minerals
  • Identify healthful ways to eat
  • Eat healthfully at fast-food restaurants
  • Choose healthful foods and why you need to eat a healthful breakfast
bowl of cereal with milk and fruit

F.S.I. – Food Science Investigator Kit

5th Grade

Fifth graders' curiosity will quickly pique as they investigate:

  • How to use MyPlate to plan a balanced diet
  • Why and how to find and maintain a healthful weight
  • Comparison of food labels
  • Food safety
think your drink activity with pop and sugar

“Love the lessons! They are fun and engaging—especially Think What You Drink. This always amazes the kids and creates really great discussion.”

— 5th Grade Lincoln Public Schools Teacher
80%
of teachers reported observing their students talk positively about healthy foods and select healthy foods when offered meals and snacks as a result of this program.
9,679
students engaged in a food experience, physical activity or handwashing lesson as part of the nutrition school enrichment program at Lincoln Public Schools that has been adopted as their core health curriculum.
17,593
K-5 students at Lincoln Public Schools participated in the nutrition education kit program that has been adopted as their core health curriculum.