The dairy group consists of milk, cheese and yogurt. Consume two to three dairy group servings daily. One serving of milk equals 8 oz. Foods from the dairy group contain calcium, vitamins A, D and K, magnesium and phosphorous. These vitamins and minerals promote healthy bones, teeth, nerves and tissue. Have fifth graders make milkshakes. You will need electric blenders or hand shaking containers used for making milkshakes and gravy. Each milkshake requires 1 pint ice cream and 8 oz. milk. Put the ingredients into the blender or hand shaker and mix.
Fifth grade students need to be aware of the healthy aspects of vegetables and that consuming more vegetables, instead of fatty snacks, can help maintain a healthy weight. According to Texas A&M University, 40 percent of girls ages 9 to 10 years old have dieted to lose weight. Rather than encourage dieting, emphasize healthy eating. Teach students how to plant herbs, such as chives, rosemary or basil in a container. Containers used should have adequate drainage. Fill containers, such as clay pots or empty margarine tubs, about 1/2 full with potting soil. Plant the seeds according to the instructions on the desired plant's packaging.
Make a craft to emphasis the fruit group. Fruits are used not only for food, but in medicines, toiletries and other useful objects, such as orange pomander balls. Orange pomanders discourage moths when hung in closets and smell good. Fifth graders have the fine motor skills required for crafts. Texas A&M University maintains that 11- to 12-year-old children possess fine motor skills almost comparable to adult skills. Make an orange pomander ball from an orange and whole cloves. Penetrate the orange skin with a skewer or toothpick. Push a whole clove into the hole. Cover the entire orange with cloves. Wrap the orange in tissue paper or paper towels. Allow the orange to dry in a dark location for about two weeks. Insert the pomander into a tulle or chiffon drawstring bag or use straight pins to attach a ribbon around the orange, forming a hanging loop.
The bread group consists of breads, rice, pasta and cereals. Fifth graders do well with interactive projects. Texas A&M University reports this age group appreciates activities involving logic and cooperation. Making bread uses logic skills and requires active participation. Use bread machines or ovens to bake the bread. You will need your favorite bread recipe, mixing spoons and bowls, flour, oil or butter, yeast, water or milk, salt and sugar for each loaf. Mix ingredients following the recipe's instructions. Students should knead the bread, allowing it to rise. Cover the rising dough with clean dishtowels. Teachers or parent volunteers should do the actual baking. If you're using a bread machine, the only part the students will participate in is the mixing of the ingredients as the machine does everything else. Baking bread in the oven makes the bread-making process about three hours long.
The meat group consists of meat, eggs, nuts, fish, poultry and dry beans. Consume two or three servings, such as 3 oz. of meat, daily. Use a dehydrator or oven, and your favorite beef jerky recipe to make beef jerky snacks from fresh meat. You will need 1 lb. of meat, such as chicken breast or steak, to make 4 oz. of jerky. The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service recommends heating sliced meat to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees F for poultry) in the oven before putting it into a dehydrator to kill bacteria. Use a food dehydrator that reaches a temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safe dehydrating of the meat.