Modeling Prompt 3
2,000 Calories
Integrated Math 1
In-Class Launch
Use after Unit 1, Lesson 9
Display the prompt: “The average adult needs 2,000 calories a day. What’s the best way to achieve that goal?”
After a minute of quiet think time, remind students that 2,000 calories is for the average adult, everyone has different needs. In general, try to steer the conversation away from weight loss or calorie restriction. Invite students to discuss in pairs, “How would you define ‘best’? Restate the question, using your definition of ‘best.’”
Collect and display students' restatements of the question.
Sample responses:
- What is the least expensive food?
- What food is within walking distance?
- What is the fastest way to get calories?
- What is the most convenient way to get calories?
- What is the healthiest way to get calories?
- What is the most natural way to get calories?
- What is the most delicious way to get calories?
For Task Statement 1 invite groups to choose a few questions to consider as they design a day's menu.
For Task Statement 2, acknowledge all questions and then ask students to focus their attention on one of them, explaining that there is limited time. They can’t explore all the questions, but they can feel free to mention other contributing factors in their report.
For Task Statement 3, display the data table and then ask students which questions they can answer with the provided data, explaining that there is limited time. They can’t explore all the questions, but they can feel free to mention other contributing factors in their report.
If students are writing a letter to an elected official as part of their report, invite them to brainstorm who might be able to effect change.
Teacher Instructions
Encourage students to explore their neighborhood, see what’s available, and read food labels. There are also websites and apps that calculate calories, based on the type of food and the quantity.
Students should compare several options in order to determine which is best. Ensure that they show evidence that they considered a variety of plans before settling on one.
If some groups are struggling to keep track of all the information, invite students to share their methods of organizing the information.
Group presentations could include each group sharing their rankings followed by a class debate to determine the best food options, according to most (if not all) of their criteria.
A synthesis discussion could include the definition of a “food desert.” Invite students to compare their definition of “close to home” with the “food desert” definition.
The average adult needs 2,000 calories a day. What’s the best way to achieve that goal?
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What is the best option overall?
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What is the best option, using only food available close to your home?
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A food co-op is opening to bring more locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy products into the neighborhood.
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The goal is to evenly spread out all the food stores. Where should the co-op open to best accomplish this goal?
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Is that the best location? Where would you open the co-op?
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Teacher Instructions
Provide copies of the blackline master. Each group needs at least 5 tables.
Encourage students to explore their neighborhood, see what’s available and read food labels. There are also websites and apps that calculate calories, based on the type of food and the quantity.
Group presentations could include each group sharing their rankings followed by a class debate to determine the best food options, according to most (if not all) of their criteria.
A synthesis discussion could include the definition of a “food desert.” Invite students to compare their definition of “close to home” with the “food desert” definition.
The average adult needs 2,000 calories a day. What’s the best way to achieve that goal?
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Choose one definition of “best” from the list the class brainstormed. Why did you choose that definition?
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Complete three tables, using your definition in the empty column. Which is the best of the three options?
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What options do you have for purchasing food close to your home?
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Complete two tables, using only those options. If only one option is close to your home, use different food items to make two tables for the single location.
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What is the best option, using only food available within 1 mile of your home?
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A food co-op is opening to bring more locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy products into the neighborhood. Where should the co-op open?
-
The goal is to evenly spread out all the food stores. Where should the co-op open to best accomplish this goal?
-
Is that the best location? Where would you open the co-op?
-
Teacher Instructions
Provide copies of the blackline master. Each group needs 1 set of data and at least 5 blank tables.
Group presentations could include each group sharing their rankings followed by a class debate to determine the best food options, according to most (if not all) of their criteria.
A synthesis discussion could include the definition of a “food desert.” Invite students to compare the provided map with the “food desert” definition.
The average adult needs 2,000 calories a day. What’s the best way to achieve that goal?
-
Choose one definition of “best” from the list the class brainstormed. Why did you choose that definition?
-
Complete three tables, using your definition in the empty column. Which is the best of the three options?
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What options do you have for purchasing food within 1 mile of home? (The map has a scale of 1 unit \(=\frac14\) mile)
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Complete at least two tables, using only those options. If only one option is close to your home, use different food items to make at least two tables for the single location.
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What is the best option, using only food available within 1 mile of your home?
-
-
A food co-op is opening to bring more locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy products into the neighborhood. Where should the co-op open?
-
The goal is to evenly spread out all the food stores. Where should the co-op open to best accomplish this goal?
-
Is that the best location? Where would you place the co-op?
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