Food and Nutrition

All living things need energy to survive, and that energy comes from food. This unit compares and contrasts the ways in which plants and animals get food. Plants use the process of photosynthesis, while animals eat. Both plants and animals use respiration to produce energy from food. The unit categorizes animals by what they eat, and this classification helps to determine each animal's role in a food chain. Digestion is illustrated by following food on its journey through the human body. Finally, the unit defines and discusses the various organic and inorganic nutrients we need in order to be healthy. Knowing which nutrients the body needs and in what proportions in our diet, as well as which foods contain those nutrients, are all important for maintaining our health.