Students choose a definition of nutrition or a nutritional theme around which they design a restaurant. In this project, the students look at the concept of nutrition and apply one definition to a restaurant of their own design. This project can accompany a unit on biochemical nutrients, digestion and nutrition, or can be used in a health class when covering nutrition and health. This project requires only one day to properly introduce. I usually provide one additional class day for brainstorming within groups.
Students finish the task on their own time.
The students need about two weeks to work through their ideas and produce their products. For presentations, each group needs about 15-20 minutes. Depending on the class and group size, presentations could take a few days. Some sources that offer help include the American Heart Association, The Diabetes Foundation, general cook books and many health and cooking magazines. There are even computer programs available that look at food items and list their nutritional composition.