It's April Already?!? Some Highlights from March...

       It's astounding to think it is already April!  So much has happened in third grade that I am beginning to see what is possibly meant by the saying March comes in like a lion!  To lead off, I am ecstatic to announce that we completed our state reports, and presented them not once, but twice!  We received rave reviews by everyone I spoke with (parents, teachers, grandparents, friends, siblings etc.), and truly mean it when I say how incredibly proud I am of every single third grader.  You all blew me away with your knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm over the past six weeks!  BRAVO!  I was able to get some pictures of the presentations, so please click the link below to check us out...    

https://picasaweb.google.com/116957244416247838632/StateReports?uthuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2_tsyox7LZWw&feat=directlink

       In social studies we have continued to investigate healthy eating and what's really in our diets.  The class participated in a "study" to see what kinds of snacking we do on a daily basis and asked ourselves what if any changes we might want to consider making.  Check out our before, after, and class shots:

 

 

Needless to say, we decided that moderation is they key.  So nobody has to give up the chips or candy, just savor the special times when they are a treat!

 

Next we went on to break down our food a little further.  We wanted to determine what all this talk about carbs, protein, and fat really means to our diets and bodies.  So the students partnered up, did a little online research, answered some questions, asked some more questions, and answered again.  Here are some of the results, and as usual, pictures of the process:

 

Protein Investigation

 

By: Caillin and Ryan

         
           Protein is important for your body and your health!  The best protein sources are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes like black beans and lentils.  As you might think, protein builds muscles but it does much more than that!  Protein builds, maintains, and replaces the tissues in your body. But what is protein made of?  The answer: AMINO ACIDS!  These amino acids do some of the most important things in protein. The way it works is it maintains muscles, bones, blood, and body organs.  So, they are pretty important aren’t they?!?

           Now let’s focus on the specifics about amino acids. What do they look like?  Here is what we researched about what they looked like. They are described as long necklaces with different shaped beads. But I don’t know if I would want to wear that type of necklace, it would seem a little unusual. There are 22 different amino acids. Your bodies can make 13 of them without you ever thinking about it, but your body can‘t make the other 9 of them. These 9 are called the essential amino acids because it’s essential that you get them from the food you eat. So was it surprising to find out that protein does much more for your body than just building muscles?  It sure was surprising to us!

Protein Investigation!

By: Brenna, Elizabeth, & Chris

What does protein do for your body? How is it used? Funny you should ask!  Here is all you need to know about protein! Protein helps your body develop, as well as grow.  Protein is made up of amino acids.  Amino acids are formed from intermediates of the citric acid cycle. There are 22 amino acids.  Amino acids look like circles forming in your body.  Your body can make 13 of the amino acids without you ever thinking about it. Your body can’t make the other 9 amino acids, but don’t worry, you can eat them by eating protein-rich foods. Some of these include: beef, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds, and legumes like black beans and lentils.  So you have lots of choices to get your protein! The amino acids you have to eat are called essential amino acids because it is essential that you get them from the foods you eat. Kids need 0.5 grams of protein for every pound they weigh. Their protein needs will grow as they get bigger. Eventually the amount of protein you need will level off. The average adult needs about 60 grams of protein a day.  Make sure you eat more protein and stay healthy!   
 

Fats!!!!

By Saraj and Dylan          

 

     A lot of people think fat is bad for you, but in real life it is really good for you in small servings.  Little kids need fat the most.   Trans fats, unsaturated fat, and saturated fats are the main kinds of fats.  These fats are found in white bread, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of jelly and finally 1 cup of 1% milk. Dietary fat helps a kid’s body grow and develop as it should.  Fats fuel the body and help give it lots of the vitamins it needs.  Fats also are the building blocks of hormones and they insulate nervous system tissue in the body.  So now do you think fats are good for you?!?

 

Protein Investigation

By E&E (AKA Ella and Evan)

Where do you find protein?  Some foods that contain protein are poultry, egg, fish, nuts, seeds and beef.  What does protein do for your body? Protein builds, maintains, and replaces the tissue in your body and helps your heart.  When you eat foods that contain protein, the digestive juices in your stomach and intestine go to work. What makes up protein?  The answer, amino acids!  There are 22 amino acids.  13 of the 22 you can make on your own, but the other 9 you have to get from food.  Amino acids look like a necklace with different shape beads.  How much protein do you need? Each day, kids need to eat about 0.5 grams of protein for every pound they weigh.  The bigger you get the more you need, but at some point it levels off and then all an adult gets is 60 grams a day.

 

Carbohydrate Investigation!!!

By J.P. and Laney 

Who knew there were so many kinds of carbs?!? The two types of carbs are simple and complex.  Simple carbs are found in refined sugars.  Simple carbs are also called simple sugars.  Simple sugars are found in fruits and milk. Complex carbs are called starches. They include grain products such as bread, crackers, and pasta. Our body uses carbs by breaking them down into simple sugars. They are then absorbed into the blood stream. Your sugar level rises and it releases a hormone called insulin.  Some carbs in foods contain a lot of simple sugars.  Simple sugars will make you hungry sooner, but whole grains will make you satisfied longer.  So make sure you don’t eat too many simple carbs and eat enough complex carbs. The carbs in some foods cause the blood sugar levels to raise more quickly others.  Both types of carbs will make a healthy diet if you eat them in moderate portions. As you can see, carbohydrates are a big part of keeping a healthy diet. 

Carbohydrates

By James and Vladik

 

There are two major types of carbs in foods: simple and complex carbs. Simple carbs can be found in foods like fruit and sweets.  Complex carbs can be found in foods like whole wheat bread. Simple carbs are also called simple sugars.  Simple sugars are found in refined sugar, like white sugar.  When you eat carbs your body breaks them down in to simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream.  It is then used to give you energy.  Complex carbs are better than simple carbs because they give you energy longer and keep you feeling fuller longer. Carbs are good for you, so eat them when you need energy.  We bet athletes, dancers and active kids do!

Carbohydrate Investigation!

By Kensi and Reagan

Let’s learn about the different carbohydrates!

There are two major carbohydrates, simple and complex.  A lollipop is a simple carbohydrate. A cracker is a complex carbohydrate.  Carbohydrates are used as energy once broken into simple sugars. You should eat more complex carbohydrates. Also you shouldn’t eat a lot of sugar because sugar doesn’t give you enough energy but complex carbohydrates give you a lot of energy.

Needless to say we got the inside scoop on the building blocks of what we eat, and came away with a better understanding of why our bodies need these nutrients and how our bodies use them.

More fun and learning to come, so stay tuned!