Vocabulary: Health and Nutrition

Subject: Science | Year: 6

Name: _________________________ Class/Set: ____________ Date: ____________

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Nutrients	Essential substances that provide nourishment for growth and the maintenance of life.	All living things must consume the correct nutrients to stay healthy and grow.
Balanced Diet	Eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions to maintain good health.	To stay fit, we must eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Carbohydrates	A group of foods, such as bread and potatoes, that provide the body with its main source of energy.	Athletes often eat pasta before a big game because carbohydrates provide the energy they need.
Proteins	Nutrients used by the body to build and repair muscles, skin, and other tissues.	Eating eggs, fish, and beans provides the proteins our bodies need to grow strong and recover from injury.
Lipids	Often called fats and oils; these provide a store of energy and insulation to keep the body warm.	While we only need a small amount, lipids are important for protecting our internal organs.
Vitamins	Natural substances found in food that are essential for the body to function and fight off disease.	Oranges are a great source of vitamins, which help our immune system stay strong during the winter.
Minerals	Substances such as calcium or iron that help the body perform specific tasks, like building bones.	Milk contains minerals like calcium, which is vital for developing strong teeth and a healthy skeleton.
Fibre	A part of food that the body cannot digest, helping the digestive system move waste through the body.	Wholemeal bread is high in fibre, which helps our digestive system work efficiently.
Dehydration	A state where the body has lost more water than it has taken in, causing it to function poorly.	It is important to drink plenty of water during PE lessons to prevent dehydration after exercising.
Circulatory System	The system that moves blood, oxygen, and nutrients to all the cells in the body.	A healthy diet and regular exercise help to keep your circulatory system and heart in good condition.

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⚠ TEACHER’S GUIDANCE

🧠 Pedagogical Insights & Delivery Tips

• Targeting Misconceptions: Many Year 6 students believe that 'fats' (lipids) are purely negative. Ensure you model the biological necessity of lipids for organ protection and thermal insulation.
• Cross-Curricular Links: This vocabulary list aligns perfectly with PSHE (Healthy Liveness) and PE (understanding the impact of exercise on the body).
• Oracy Task: Encourage students to use the "Tier 2" academic verbs (e.g., consume, maintain, function) when explaining their food diaries.
• Scaffolding: For pupils finding the technical terms challenging, use a 'Match the Word to the Picture' starter to provide a concrete visual anchor for abstract terms like nutrients.

✅ Answer Key & Validation

• Task A (Definition Match): Ensure students can distinguish between Vitamins (organic) and Minerals (inorganic) by focusing on their sources (e.g., fruit vs. earth-derived elements like calcium).
• Arithmetic Check: If used for a calorie-counting extension, ensure students understand that a balanced diet is about proportion (the Eatwell Guide), not just restriction.