Introduction

Welcome to What is Energy Balance?, the first lesson in the Energy Balance 101 curriculum.

The Energy Balance 101 curriculum is brought to K-5 educators by the Together Counts™ program, a nationwide program inspiring active and healthy living.  The main principal behind the Together Counts program is Energy Balance: balancing the calories we consume with the calories we burn.   

The Energy Balance 101 lesson plans are divided into four modules, each consisting of standards-based lessons and hands-on activities to bring Energy Balance to life for your students. The lessons in each module are customized for two grade bands: K-2 and 3-5. 

• Module 1 - An Introduction to Energy Balance: Learn how to make choices for an active, healthy lifestyle. (K-2, 3-5)
• Module 2 -  Energy In: Explore the food side of the Energy Balance Scale and set the stage for students to make sound, confident decisions about their health. (K-2, 3-5)
• Module 3 - Physical Activity: Investigate the Energy Out side of the Energy Balance Scale and learn about the benefits of being active. (K-2, 3-5)
• Module 4 - Ready, Set, Balance!: Apply the Energy Balance concept to students’ own lives. (K-2, 3-5)

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Overview

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the concept of Energy Balance as they explore the important role it plays in their lives.

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Objectives

Students in grades K-2 will:

• Be introduced to the concept of Energy Balance.
• Generate ideas about where energy comes from and how it is used.
• Identify ways that Energy Balance can contribute to an active, healthy lifestyle.
• Play a game to balance calories consumed from foods and beverages with calories used during physical activities.

Students in grades 3-5 will:

• Be introduced to the concept of Energy Balance.
• Generate ideas about where energy comes from and how it is used.
• Share examples of their own Energy In and Energy Out.

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Standards Connections

National Health Education Standards

• Standard 4: Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks.
• Standard 5: Students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.

National Reading/Language Arts Standards

• Standard 5: Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• Standard 12: Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

National Science Standards

• Life Science
• Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

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Lesson Outline

To view the complete lesson, select the appropriate grade band below:

• K-2: What is Energy Balance?
• 3-5: What is Energy Balance?

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Energy Balance 101 Curriculum

• Full Energy Balance 101 Curriculum:  View and download the entire curriculum.

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Additional Resources

• TogetherCounts.com:  Check out this one-stop web portal that provides schools and families with free tools for active, healthy lifestyles.  

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