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Procedure:

1. Ask students to discuss why sugar cane was such an important crop during slavery.

2. Display above-mentioned materials; write the words sweet and not sweet on index cards; ask pupils to place items under the appropriate card and explain why choices were made.

3. All plants make sugar. Given this fact, why aren't all plants sweet? Explain how sugar is stored in parts of plants. (Even flowers began as sugars made by photosynthesis; chemical changes occur, and sugar is changed into nutrients, a basic food substance.

4. Make a list of reasons why nutrients are essential.

5. Discuss why workers need energy; include scientific formula: E = MC 2

6. List reasons why enslaved Africans needed energy and include occupation and work table found in the math activity.

7. On an experience chart, list six groups of nutrients found in healthy foods; discuss why proteins are important in maintaining a healthy diet.

8. List ways in which each group can be found in foods we eat; chart them from this information.

Nutrient Groups

(a) Protein	(b) Carbohydrates	(c) Vitamins
(d) Minerals	(e) Water	(f)Fat

9. Ask students to visit their grocery stores to make a calorie count of their favorite foods by listing nutrient information from the back of the packages; have them visit several fast food restaurants and choose their favorite menu.

Carbohydrates--Used for energy

Simple Sugars--Provide quick energy

Complex Sugars--Provide quick energy; fruit

Starch--Provides long-term energy; includes rice, potatoes, pasta

We measure the energy we get from food in calories. We need 2,500 calories daily!