CEClang.62


TITLE:    "WHAT YOU SEE ISN'T ALWAYS WHAT YOU GET!"

AUTHOR:   Kirby Giles,  Fillmore Middle School,
          Fillmore, UT

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  (Appropriate for grades 5-8)
                    Reading comprehension activity

OVERVIEW:  When it comes to buying something
(particularly something to eat) students seldom wonder
about things like "What's it made of?' or  "Where did
these ingredients come from?"  They are far more
interested in how it tastes than in whether or not it's
good for them.  This activity was designed to make them
READ carefully for information about products, THEN
make judgements on whether or not it's right for them.

OBJECTIVE(s):  Students will be able to:
1.  Locate and read the ingredient lists and
    nutrient charts on any cereal box.
2.  Explain how reading carefully helps to know what
    to buy (or not to buy).
3.  Explain in what order the ingredients are
    listed.
4.  Identify the UPC (bar code) symbol and explain
    its use.
5.  Discuss the cereal package itself and determine
    how it helps to sell this product to a
    particular age group.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.   Prepare a question sheet (about 10 questions)
     using the ingredient and nutritional information
     from a snack food such as potato chips.
     Intentionally leave off product names (and other
     obvious things) so students will have to find
     other clues in order to identify the product.
2.   Using the cereal box they have brought to class,
     have each student chart the information asked for.
3.   When finished, trade worksheets with a partner and
     check each other's work.  Ask them to compare the
     information on their own box with their partner's.
     Which product contains less sugar?  less sodium?
     more calories per serving?  more cholesterol?


      "WHAT YOU SEE ISN'T ALWAYS WHAT YOU GET!!"
Use your cereal box to answer the following questions:

1.  Name of cereal _________________________________
2.  Name of company ________________________________
3.  Address of company_____________________________
4.  Name the grains it is made of__________________.
5.  (a) What is the main ingredient? _______________
    (b) How do you know? ___________________________
6.  Serving size ________________
7.  Servings per package _________
8.  Calories per serving:
                     without milk_____ with milk____
9.  Carbohydrates:
                     without milk_____ with milk____
10. Cholesterol:
                     without milk_____ with milk____
11. Sodium:
                     without milk_____ with milk____
12. Does this cereal contain sugar?_____
    How much?______
13. What does U.S. RDA mean?
___________________________________________________
14. What % of U.S. RDA of:
    (a)  Vitamin A:   without milk____ with milk____
    (b)  Vitamin C    without milk____ with milk____
    (c)  Calcium:     without milk____ with milk____
    (d)  Vitamin D    without milk____ with milk____
15. Is this cereal package designed to appeal to a
    certain  age group?_____
If so, circle which one:
           5-10           11-15            general
16.  If you know what a cereal contains, what can you
better decide?_________________________________