7th
Factoring in Nutrition
by Brian Geremia
Fifth graders have a difficult time understanding factors.
It is not their fault; the mathematic definition provides little assistance to a ten year old: one of two or more numbers, algebraic expressions, or the like, that when multiplied together produce a given product.
I prefer to use a more general definition as a primer, discuss non-math examples, then gradually work into math vernacular. This definition works well: one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation.
I like to simplify this further, asking students: What are the factors that go into making a salad? This provides the perfect opportunity to indirectly discuss nutrition, an important aspect of educational enrichment. Students answer this quickly—two are seen below:
Student 1
Ranch (dressing, of course)
Lettuce
Tomato
Cheese
Student 2
Lettuce
Ranch
Croutons
These responses are telling. They reflect a culturally limited vision of nutrition, where salad with mayonnaise, sour cream, and bread is considered healthy, and a limited sense of creativity. Salad is one of the most dynamic food creations, yet only 5 items are mentioned by these students. I wouldn’t expect to hear accents like avocado, feta, or capers, but more simple ones would do just fine: apples, sunflower seeds, or even bacon bits! At least Student #2 recognizes that lettuce is a more important factor than Ranch is.
When tackling math with young students, you must pick your battles, so the nutrition lesson gets tabled and we focus on factors. We do a few more non-number examples. What are the factors of playing baseball? What are the factors in riding a bike? Thankfully, when I finally ask, “What are the factors of 24?”, they find the strength to reply: 1, 24, 2, 12, 3, 8, 4, and 6. Phew!
The concept of factors is important; it is one of the few mathematical tenets that flows freely from discipline to discipline, and carries weight when considering a mathematical or life equation. What are the factors that create a healthy relationship? What are the factors that make me successful at work? What factors contribute to my personal health and well-being?
As Brent Pottenger highlights in Academic Impact’s Nutrition Philosophy, there are many nutritional factors that play a part in effective academic and personal development. Here is a brief recap of these factors:
- what we eat and drink affects who we are;
- our bodies are evolved to eat like pre-agricultural hunter-gatherers;
- nuts, berries, meats, fats (good ones), and vegetables are essential;
- breads, pastas, grains, crackers, chips, and sugars are not;
- healthy bacteria should be incorporated into the diet (yogurt, raw cheese, kombucha);
- academic performance, emotional stability, and social confidence relate directly to these nutritional habits.
For more information on nutrition and education, read Academic Impact’s full Nutrition Philosophy below.
