Snack Attack Intro

Overview

This 60-minute theory lesson is designed for Year 7 students (Curriculum Level 4) in New Zealand Technology classrooms, focusing on the "Snack Attack" unit (NZQA Unit Standard 167 version 10). It links prior practical experience baking savoury lemonade muffins (bacon, onion, spring onions, flour) to learning about Hauora and healthy eating principles in food technology.

Learning Intentions

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Connect their prior learning about savoury baking to understand healthy eating and well-being.
• Understand the concept of Hauora and its four dimensions (physical, mental/emotional, social, spiritual) as it relates to food choices.
• Recognise the role of healthy eating in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
• Develop awareness of how technology in food preparation can support healthier snack options.

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Curriculum Links

New Zealand Curriculum (NZC)

Technology learning area at Level 4 (Year 7):

• Technological practice: Understanding and planning for healthy snack preparation using ingredients and techniques.
• Technological knowledge: Understanding how food choices affect well-being (Hauora model).
• Key Competencies:
  • Managing self – making informed decisions about food preparation.
  • Relating to others – discussing cultural and health influences on eating.
  • Participating and contributing – engaging in healthy food choices and safety.
• Health & Physical Education links: Hauora model (Well-being).
• Achievement Objectives:
  • Understand how technological outcomes impact and shape society and the environment.
  • Investigate and use information about health, nutrition, and well-being when designing food products.

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Cultural Responsiveness

This lesson embraces Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural foundations and multicultural society by integrating the Māori concept of Hauora, which is holistic well-being encompassing physical, mental/emotional, social, and spiritual health. Encourage students to explore how traditional Māori and Pacific food practices contribute to community well-being and healthy eating. Discussion can include how food preparation technology can honour cultural food customs while supporting modern health.

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Lesson Structure (60 minutes, 15 students)

Time	Activity	Description
0-5 min	Connect & Engage	Welcome, recap previous baking lesson (lemonade muffins with bacon etc.), introduce Snack Attack unit focus on healthy eating and well-being.
5-15 min	PowerPoint: Hauora Concept Introduction	Present Hauora and its four dimensions with teacher notes. Use simple examples linking food and well-being. Include visuals representing each dimension. Check understanding through questioning.
15-25 min	Class Discussion: Healthy Eating & Well-being	Discuss why healthy eating matters for physical and mental health. Use familiar food examples and relate to snack preparation. Link back to muffin ingredients and healthier alternatives.
25-35 min	Technology Role in Healthy Snacks	Explore how technology (recipe design, ingredient choice, cooking methods) can create healthier snacks. Introduce simple snack examples improved by technology (e.g., baking instead of frying, wholegrain flour). Interactive Q&A.
35-50 min	Group Activity: Snack Planning Using Hauora	In groups of 3, students plan a healthier snack recipe considering Hauora dimensions (e.g., physical - nutritious ingredients, social - sharing with friends). Provide scaffolding prompts on paper templates. Groups share brief ideas with class.
50-60 min	Reflect & Summarise	Recap Hauora and healthy eating links to Snack Attack unit. Link to next practical snack preparation lesson. Quick formative quiz using thumbs up/down or mini whiteboards. Home connection - think about favourite snacks and how to make them healthier.

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Resources Needed

• PowerPoint presentation with teacher notes and simple, engaging visuals exemplifying Hauora.
• Paper templates/prompts for group planning activity.
• Whiteboard/markers or mini whiteboards for quick formative checks.
• Access to previous lesson photos or muffin ingredients as visual reminders.

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Teaching Notes For Success

• Use clear, accessible language tailored for Year 7 students.
• Foster inclusive, respectful discussion of cultural food practices and health beliefs.
• Ask open questions to encourage student voice and critical thinking about well-being.
• Use the PowerPoint to scaffold new concepts and provide visual supports.
• Emphasise connections to real life and students’ experiences with food.
• Highlight links between technology and healthier food choices to develop key competencies.

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Reflection and Extension

• Encourage students to reflect on the four Hauora dimensions in their own eating habits.
• Suggest students discuss with whānau (family) about favourite snacks and how they could be made healthier at home.
• Prepare students for the next practical technology lesson by asking them to think about ingredients or preparation methods that could improve snack healthiness.

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Summary

This fun, dynamic theory lesson introduces Year 7 students to important concepts of well-being and healthy eating through the lens of their recent cooking experiences. It supports the development of key Technology competencies in a culturally responsive and curriculum-aligned manner, building a foundation for designing healthier snacks using technology.

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If you would like, I can also provide you with a fully detailed PowerPoint slide structure with teaching notes for this lesson. Would that be helpful?