Energy and Nutrition

Year Level

Year 11

Duration

59 minutes

Class Size

20 students

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the main energy system used by different athlete profiles (ATP-PCr, Anaerobic Glycolytic, Aerobic).
• Identify the main macronutrient(s) supporting the energy needs of these athletes.
• Develop an understanding of diet planning based on energy systems and macronutrient requirements.
• Construct a weekly diet plan featuring key food products and recipes suitable for an assigned athlete profile.
• Collaboratively create a visual poster to present dietary plans using cut-outs from Coles magazines or printed food products.

NSW Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Health and Physical Education Stage 6 syllabus for Year 11, particularly:

• PDP11-1 – Examines the complexity of health, physical activity and sport and how they influence their own and others' health and wellbeing.
• PDP11-5 – Plans and participates in a range of physical activities and explains the components of fitness necessary to optimise their own and others' physical performance.
• PDP11-6 – Examines energy systems and nutrition strategies to enhance physical performance.
• PDP11-7 – Analyses the relationship between nutritional intake and energy systems in various sports contexts.

This activity specifically targets competencies in applying theoretical knowledge of energy systems (ATP-PCr, Anaerobic Glycolytic, Aerobic) and nutritional needs to real-world contexts, developing student capacity in research, collaboration, and creative presentation.

---

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details	Resources
0–5 min	Introduction & Lesson Purpose	Introduce the lesson objectives and explain the importance of nutrition and energy systems to athletic performance. Briefly outline the four athlete profiles and their energy systems/macronutrients.	Whiteboard or digital slides
5–10 min	Group Formation & Athlete Allocation	Divide the class into 4 groups of 5 students. Assign each group one athlete profile: Sprinter, 400m Runner, Marathon Runner, Cyclist.	Pre-prepared athlete cards
10–25 min	Research Phase	Groups identify the main energy system and primary macronutrient(s) for their assigned athlete. Then research suitable foods and recipes for a weekly diet that supports their athlete’s performance needs.	Coles magazines, printed food pictures, scissors, glue, paper, iPads/computers for extended research
25–40 min	Poster Creation	Using magazines, printed food products, and notes, groups create a visually appealing poster titled "Build an Athlete" featuring:

• Athlete profile and energy system
• Main macronutrient focus
• Weekly diet plan with key foods and 2-3 simple recipe ideas (listed and/or illustrated) | A3 paper/posters, markers, scissors, glue sticks | | 40–50 min | Group Presentations | Each group presents their poster to the class, explaining the rationale for energy systems, macronutrients, and dietary choices. | Posters, presentation space | | 50–59 min | Class Discussion & Reflection | Facilitate a class-wide discussion focusing on:
• Differences between athlete needs based on energy systems
• Impact of nutrition on athletic performance and recovery
• Critical thinking about food choices and practicality in diet planning Wrap up by linking learning outcomes to real-life health and physical education contexts. | Teacher-led discussion |

---

Detailed Activity Notes

Introduction & Lesson Purpose (5 min)

• Welcome students and outline the learning objectives emphasizing how understanding energy systems and nutrition can improve athletic performance.
• Show a simple table summarising the link:
• Sprinter → ATP-PCr → Carbohydrates
• 400m Runner → Anaerobic Glycolytic → Carbohydrates
• Marathon Runner → Aerobic → Carbohydrates & Fats
• Cyclist → Aerobic → Carbohydrates & Fats

---

Group Work: Research & Poster Creation (30 min)

• Encourage students to critically think about why the energy system used dictates the required macronutrient balance.
• Prompt groups to find examples of Australian foods from Coles magazines that fit their macronutrient needs.
• Students should select foods (e.g., wholegrains, lean meats, healthy fats) and note down recipes or meal ideas such as:
• Sprinters: quick energy snacks like bananas, muesli bars, high-carb pasta dishes.
• Marathon runners: balanced meals including nuts, avocados, wholegrain breads.
• Guide students to arrange their food pictures creatively on their poster and to summarise key points clearly.

---

Group Presentations and Class Discussion (19 min)

• Each group shares their poster for approximately 3 minutes.
• Allow 1-2 clarifying questions after each presentation.
• Lead a discussion on how energy systems and macronutrients interplay to impact performance and recovery.
• Discuss practical applications: how athletes and everyday people can apply these principles.

---

Assessment Criteria

Student understanding will be assessed formatively based on:

• Group poster content accuracy related to energy systems and nutrition.
• Creativity, clarity, and communication of dietary plans.
• Participation and contribution in both group work and presentations.
• Ability to justify food choices and relate them to athlete performance.

---

Extensions and Differentiation

• Extension: Students could design a specific day’s meal plan with preparation times and caloric estimates.
• Support: Provide key vocabulary sheets for macronutrients and energy systems, pre-highlighted Coles magazine food sections.
• Cross-curricular link: Integrate aspects of science by discussing biochemical processes of energy systems.

---

Materials Needed

• Athlete profile cards with energy system & macronutrient information.
• Copies of Coles magazines or printed food product images.
• Scissors, glue sticks, A3 poster paper, markers.
• Optional: Digital devices for additional research.

---

This lesson provides an innovative hands-on research and creative activity that ties directly into the NSW curriculum. It encourages collaboration, critical thinking about health science, and practical nutrition application for athletes, promoting deeper learning in a fun and engaging way.