6

AT A GLANCE

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 165 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 45 min (Science)

Session 2: Activity I “Deliciously Edible Plant Parts” 60 min (Science)

Session 3: Activity II “Fruits and Vegetables on MyPlate” 40 min (Science/Health);

 Reflect 20 min (English Language Arts)

Standards Met:*

Science: (A) Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; 

Understanding about scientific inquiry. (C) Life Science: Structure and function in 

living systems (form follows function); Regulation and behavior; Populations and 

ecosystems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms (classification). (F) Science 

in Personal and Social Perspectives: Personal health; Risks and benefits.

English Language Arts: (Writing 2) Text Types and Purposes: Write informative texts to examine a topic, and convey ideas, concepts, and 

information clearly through selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (Language 6) Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: Acquire and 

use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal contrast, addition, 

and other logical relationships; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Health: (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – Common Core; 

Health standards – American Cancer Society

LESSON 1

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Students will be able to...

• Identify fruits and vegetables that come 

 from different parts of plants (root, stem,

 leaf, flower, fruit, and seed).

• Describe the function of each plant part.

• Explain how foods from plants fit into the

 five food groups.

The World of Edible Plants.................................................................................p. 12

6 Dig In! • Grades 5-6 • http://teamnutrition.usda.gov
7

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 190 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 30 min;

 Activity I “The Farm to Plate Game” 40 min (Science/Social Studies)

Session 2: Activity II “Map the Distance” 60 min (Math)

Session 3: Activity III “Harvest, Prepare, and Taste Dark-Green Leafy Greens!” 

 30 min (Health); Reflect 30 min (English Language Arts)

Standards Met:*

Science: (A) Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; 

Understanding about scientific inquiry. (C) Life Science: Structure and function in living 

systems; Regulation and behavior; Populations and ecosystems; Diversity and adaptations 

of organisms (classification). (E) Science & Technology: Abilities of technological design.

(F) Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Personal health; Risks and benefits.

Math: Number and Operations: Perform operations with multidigit whole numbers. 

Measurement & Data: Represent and interpret data.

Health: (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health. (3) Demonstrate the ability 

to access valid information and products and services to enhance health.

Social Studies: (Science, Technology, and Society 8) Science and technology have had both positive and negative impacts upon 

individuals, societies, and the environments in the past and present. 

English Language Arts: (Writing 1) Text Types and Purposes: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view 

with clear reasons and relevant information/evidence. 

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – Common Core; Health standards – 

American Cancer Society; Social Studies standards – National Council for the Social Studies

AT A GLANCE

LESSON 2 Farm to Plate.......................................................................................................p. 19

Dig In! • Grades 5-6 • http://teamnutrition.usda.gov 7

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Students will be able to...

• Explain the food system and describe 

 how food travels from where it is grown 

 to their plate.

• Describe how plants are connected 

to the foods people eat.

• Grow (and harvest) a dark-green leafy 

 vegetable and describe its taste.

• Demonstrate and explain the importance 

 of hand washing and properly cleaning 

 fruits and vegetables before eating them.

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 165 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 20 min (Health); Activity I “Seed Race!” 40 min (Science)

Session 2: Activity II “Veggies: Nature’s Rock Stars” 40 min (Health/Science/Math);

 Activity III “Taste the Power of the Bean!” 20 min (Science/Health)

Session 3: Reflect 45 min (English Language Arts/Health)

Standards Met:*

Science: (A) Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; 

Understanding about scientific inquiry. (C) Life Science: Structure and function in living 

systems; Regulation and behavior; Populations and ecosystems; Diversity and adaptations 

of organisms. (D) Earth Science: Structure of the Earth (soil, water, sun). (F) Science in 

Personal and Social Perspectives: Personal health; Risks and benefits.

Health: (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to 

enhance health. (3) Demonstrate the ability to access valid information and products and 

services to enhance health. 

English Language Arts: (Writing 1) Text Types and Purposes: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view 

with clear reasons and relevant information/evidence. 

Math: Number and Operations: Perform operations with multidigit whole numbers. Measurement & Data: Represent and interpret data.

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – Common Core; Health standards – 

American Cancer Society

LESSON 3 Healthy From the Ground Up.............................................................................p. 26

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to...

• Describe how both plants and people need

nutrients to grow and be healthy.

• Identify nutrients provided by fruits 

and vegetables.

• Explain the importance of eating a variety 

of vegetables from all of the vegetable 

subgroups. 

• Identify beans and peas.

• Summarize the health benefits of eating 

beans and peas.
8

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to...

• Describe ways to include a variety of fruits 

and vegetables in their diet.

• Design and plan a colorful garden using 

a variety of vegetables that grow well 

together.

• Plan a healthy meal featuring the vegetable 

subgroups.

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 120 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 10 min;

 Activity I “A-Maze-ing Light” 40 min, 2 weeks observation (Science)

Session 2: Activity II “Seeking Out What We Need” 40 min (Science/Health)

Session 3: Activity III “Tasty Broccoli” 20 min (Health); Reflect 10 min

Standards Met:*

Science: (A) Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understanding 

about scientific inquiry. (C) Life Science: Structure and function in living systems; 

Regulation and behavior; Populations and ecosystems; Diversity and adaptations of 

organisms (classification). (D) Earth Science: Structure of the Earth (soil, water, sun).

(F) Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Personal health; Risks and benefits.

Health: (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health. (6) Demonstrate the ability to use 

goal-setting skills to enhance health. (7) Demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks.

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – Common Core; Health standards – 

American Cancer Society

AT A GLANCE

LESSON 4 Seeking Out What We Need...............................................................................p. 32

LESSON 5 Eat Your Colors...................................................................................................p. 37

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to...

• Demonstrate an understanding of the 

 scientific method by making hypotheses 

 and drawing conclusions based on their 

 own discoveries.

• Identify sources of fruits and vegetables 

 in their school and home environment.

• Describe ways they can add more fruits 

 and vegetables to their meals each day.

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 95 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 15 min;

 Activity I “Triple Taste Combo Game” 20 min (English Language Arts)

Session 2: Activity II “Get Your Engine Going” 20 min (Health/Science)

Session 3: Activity III “Garden Designers” 30 min 

 (Math/Art – can be done with art teacher); Reflect 10 min

Standards Met:*

English Language Arts: (Writing 1) Text Types and Purposes: Write opinion pieces on 

topics or texts, supporting a point of view with clear reasons and relevant information/

evidence. (Writing 2) Text Types and Purposes: Write informative/explanatory texts to 

examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly through the selection, organization, 

and analysis of relevant content. 

Science: (F) Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Personal health; Risks and benefits.

Math: Measurement & Data: Geometric measurement – understanding concepts of volume and relate volume 

to multiplication and addition. Ratios & Proportional Relationships: Understanding ratio concepts and use ratio 

reasoning to solve problems.

Health: (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health. 

(2) Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.

(6) Demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health.

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – 

Common Core; Health standards – American Cancer Society

8 Dig In! • Grades 5-6 • http://teamnutrition.usda.gov
9

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 140 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 10 min;

 Activity I “Fruits and Vegetables Around the World” 40 min 

 (Social Studies/Health)

Session 2: Activity II “Global Recipes” 20 min (English Language Arts/Health);

 Activity III “Tasty Chickpeas” 40 min (Health)

Session 3: Activity IV “Garden Pen Pals” 20 min (English Language Arts);

 Reflect 10 min

Standards Met:*

English Language Arts: (Writing 1) Text Types and Purposes: Write opinion pieces on 

topics or texts, supporting a point of view with clear reasons and relevant information/

evidence. (Writing 2) Text Types and Purposes: Write informative/explanatory texts to 

examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly through the 

selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (Speaking and Listening 1, 2) 

Comprehension and Collaboration: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative 

discussions. Summarize and interpret information presented in diverse media and formats.

Health: (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to 

enhance health. (2) Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.

Social Studies: (Global Connections 9) Global factors such as cultural, economic, and political connections are changing the places in 

which people live (e.g., through trade, migration, increased travel, and communication); Global connections may make cultures more alike 

or increase their sense of distinctiveness. 

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – Common Core; Health standards – 

American Cancer Society; Social Studies standards – National Council for the Social Studies 

LESSON 6 The Global Garden...............................................................................................p. 41

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to...

• Explain how an environment influences the

type of fruits and vegetables that are grown

and eaten in a region/culture.

• List ways fruits and vegetables grown in the

school garden are prepared and eaten in 

different regions of the United States and 

the world.

• Describe various units of measurement used 

to communicate quantities in a recipe (such 

as serving sizes and ingredient amounts).

• Identify vegetables that are part of the Beans

and Peas Vegetable Subgroup.

• Identify three ways chickpeas (garbanzo 

beans) can be eaten as part of a meal.

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 185 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 30 min (Math);

 Activity I “Kitchen Measurements” 40 min (Math)

Session 2: Activity II “Taste Your Colors” 40 min (English Language Arts)

Session 3: Activity III “Chef Challenge” 60 min (Health); Reflect 15 min

Standards Met:*

Math: Operations & Algebraic Thinking: Write and interpret numerical expressions; 

Analyze patterns and relationships. Measurement & Data: Convert like measurement units 

within a given measurement system; Represent and interpret data. Geometric measurement: 

Understand concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and to addition.

Health: (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to 

enhance health. (2) Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and 

other factors on health behaviors.

English Language Arts: (Writing 1) Text Types and Purposes: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with clear 

reasons and relevant information/evidence. (Writing 2) Text Types and Purposes: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and 

convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (Speaking and 

Listening 1, 2) Comprehension and Collaboration: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions. 

Summarize and interpret information presented in diverse media and formats.

Health (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health. (2) Analyze the influence of family, 

peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – Common Core; Health standards – 

American Cancer Society

LESSON 7 Chef Challenge....................................................................................................p. 46

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to...

• Identify and choose appropriate units of 

measurement for liquid and dry food 

ingredients.

• Demonstrate an understanding of unit 

relationships (proportion) and fractions.

• Explain the amount of fruits and vegetables 

5th and 6th graders need each day.

• Convert measurements and make 

calculations between units of volume 

 and mass.

Dig In! • Grades 5-6 • http://teamnutrition.usda.gov 9

AT A GLANCE
10

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 120 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 10 min;

 Activity I “Fantastic Fiber” 20 min (Health/Science)

Session 2: Activity II “Fiber Investigation” 40 min 

 (Health/Science/English Language Arts/Math)

Session 3: Activity III “Fabulous Fruit” 40 min (Health); Reflect 10 min

Standards Met:*

Science: (A) Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; Understanding 

about scientific inquiry. (B) Physical Science: Properties and change of properties in matter; Transfer of energy. (C) Life Science: Structure 

and function in living systems; Regulation and behavior; Populations and ecosystems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms. (F) Science 

in Personal and Social Perspectives: Personal health; Risks and benefits.

English Language Arts: (Reading 1) Key Ideas and Details: Quote accurately from a text and cite textual evidence to support analysis 

of what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. (Reading 3) Key Ideas and Details: Explain the relationships 

or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific 

information in the text. 

Math: Operations & Algebraic Thinking: Write and interpret numerical expressions; Analyze patterns and relationships. Measurement & Data: 

Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system; Represent and interpret data. Geometric measurement: Understand 

concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and to addition.

Health (1) Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health. (2) Analyze the influence of family, 

peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – Common Core; Health standards – 

American Cancer Society

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 150 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 10 min;

 Activity I “The Power of Choice” 40 min (Health/Science)

Session 2: Activity II “Fruit Imposters” 20 min (Health/Science);

 Activity III “Melon Fruit Salsa” 40 min (Health)

Session 3: Reflect 40 min (English Language Arts)

Standards Met:*

English Language Arts: (Writing 5) Production and Distribution of Writing: With some 

guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce 

and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; and demonstrate 

sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.

(Reading 1) Key Ideas and Details: Quote accurately from a text and cite textual evidence 

to support analysis of what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. (Reading 3) Key Ideas and Details: Explain the 

relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based 

on specific information in the text. (Reading 7) Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: Draw on information from multiple print or digital 

sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently. Integrate information from 

different media and formats, and in words in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

LESSON 8 Fruits and Veggies Many Ways..........................................................................p. 52

LESSON 9 The Power of Choice...........................................................................................p. 56

10 Dig In! • Grades 5-6 • http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to...

• Describe the health benefits of dietary fiber.

• Identify fruits and vegetables that are high

in dietary fiber.

• Discuss ways to enjoy fruit at breakfast 

and as snacks.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to...

• Summarize a variety of nutritious food choices

in the Fruit Group and Vegetable Group.

• Identify foods that are higher or lower 

in sodium, added sugars, and solid fats.

• Summarize the benefits of limiting the 

 consumption of solid fats, sodium, 

and added sugars.

• Differentiate between fruit drinks 

and 100% fruit juice.

AT A GLANCE
Dig In! • Grades 5-6 • http://teamnutrition.usda.gov 1111

Math: Operations & Algebraic Thinking: Write and interpret numerical expressions; Analyze patterns and relationships.

Measurement & Data: Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system; Represent and interpret data.

Geometric measurement: Understand concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and to addition.

Health: (2) Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.

(4) Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks.

(8) Demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health.

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts and Math standards – Common Core; Health

standards – American Cancer Society

PACING GUIDE: TOTAL TIME REQUIRED: 145 minutes / 3 sessions

Session 1: Getting Started 15 min; Activity I “Reflecting on Our Journey” 

 30 min (English Language Arts)

Session 2: Activity II “What We Learned” 

 40 min (English Language Arts/Health/Science/Math*)

Session 3: Harvest Celebration 60 min**

*Standards met will depend on project. See p. 61. 

**Time will vary. See suggested schedule in lesson on p. 60.

Standards Met:*

English Language Arts: (Speaking and Listening 1) Comprehension and Collaboration: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative 

discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5-6 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and 

expressing their own clearly. (Speaking and Listening 2) Comprehension and Collaboration: Summarize and interpret information presented 

in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally, and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

(Speaking and Listening 4) Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically, 

using pertinent facts and relevant, descriptive details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, 

and clear pronunciation at an understandable pace. (Speaking and Listening 5) Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: Include multimedia 

components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to clarify information and enhance 

the development of main ideas or themes. (Writing 1) Text Types and Purposes: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of 

view with clear reasons and relevant information/evidence. (Writing 5) Production and Distribution of Writing: With some guidance and support 

from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; 

demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.

Math: Operations & Algebraic Thinking: Write and interpret numerical expressions; Analyze patterns and relationships. Measurement & Data:

Represent and interpret data. Geometric measurement: Understand concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and to addition.

Health: (4) Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks. 

(8) Students will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health.

*Sources: Science standards – National Academy of Sciences; English Language Arts

and Math standards – Common Core; Health standards – American Cancer Society

REPRODUCIBLE STUDENT HANDOUTS...........................................................................................p. 63

GARDENING GUIDE......................................................................................................................p. 91

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS................................................................................................................p. 108

LESSON 1 0 Harvest Celebration!..........................................................................................p. 60

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to...

• Creatively share what they’ve learned

 about gardening, nutrition, and fruits 

 and vegetables using a variety of

 media (written and oral).

• Promote the benefits of eating more fruits

 and vegetables to a diverse audience.

AT A GLANCE