Pasta Dishes: Tuna Bake

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is Lesson 8 of 13 in the "Healthy Cooking Adventures" unit. It is designed for Year 6 students (ages 10-11) to prepare a tuna pasta bake while learning about carbohydrates as an energy source in their diet. Lessons are structured to meet the National Curriculum for England requirements in Design and Technology and Science.

National Curriculum Links

Design and Technology (Cooking and Nutrition):

Key Stage 2 - Cooking and Nutrition
- Understand and apply the principles of a healthy and varied diet.
- Prepare and cook a range of savoury dishes safely and appropriately.
- Understand seasonality, and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed.

Science (Animals, including humans):

Key Stage 2
- Describe the simple functions of the basic parts of the digestive system in humans.
- Identify the different types of nutrients and their role e.g., carbohydrates providing energy.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

Identify carbohydrates as a key source of energy in the diet (Science).
Prepare and safely cook a tuna pasta bake following step-by-step guidance (DT).
Work collaboratively in pairs to support each other during food preparation (Personal, Social and Emotional Development).
Explain the importance of balancing carbohydrate and protein intake for a healthy diet.

Success Criteria

I can describe the role of carbohydrates in providing energy.
I can follow a visual step-by-step recipe to prepare tuna pasta bake safely.
I work well with a partner to complete the cooking task.
I understand how to include protein and carbohydrates in a meal.

Resources

Visual step-by-step recipe cards (with images and clear instructions)
Ingredients for Tuna Pasta Bake (e.g., pasta, canned tuna, cheese, tomato sauce, vegetables)
Cooking utensils: saucepan, colander, mixing bowl, ovenproof dish
Access to oven or hob with adult supervision
Whiteboard or flip chart for key vocabulary (carbohydrates, protein, energy)
Science diagram of digestive system and nutrient functions (simplified)
Hand wipes, aprons, gloves
Extension worksheet template for creating new pasta dishes

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy	Reason/Benefit
Dyslexic learners	Use dyslexia-friendly fonts, coloured backgrounds on recipe cards, and visual step-by-step guides	Supports decoding and comprehension
Less confident cooks	Pair with a supportive partner; adult oversight during handling hot items	Builds confidence and ensures safety
EAL learners	Use pictures and simple key vocabulary repeated frequently	Reinforces comprehension and language acquisition
Advanced learners	Extension task to create a new pasta dish using alternative protein sources and present recipe	Challenges creativity and higher order thinking

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Recap previous lesson: the importance of a balanced diet.
Introduce today’s focus: Tuna Pasta Bake and carbohydrates as energy sources.
Display and discuss the word ‘carbohydrate’ and show simple scientific diagram explaining digestion and energy release.
Link to real life: Ask students where they think energy in their body comes from after eating different foods.

2. Key Teaching Input (10 minutes)

Explain role of carbohydrates in diet (e.g., pasta is rich in carbs, which give energy for brain and muscles).
Discuss the protein in tuna and its importance to repair and build body tissues.
Show visual, step-by-step recipe cards for tuna pasta bake, explaining safety rules (washing hands, careful with heat).

3. Practical Activity (25 minutes)

Students work in pairs to prepare tuna pasta bake:
1. Boil and drain the pasta.
2. Mix tuna, pasta, vegetables, and sauce.
3. Place mixture into ovenproof dish, sprinkle cheese.
4. Bake (adult handles oven use).
Student A reads recipe steps aloud while Student B completes the step. Swap roles every 5 minutes to build engagement.
Teacher to monitor safety and provide targeted questioning about how carbohydrates provide energy during cooking pauses.

4. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

Taste the dish if possible or review photos/video of the finished product.
Discuss how the pasta provides energy and what protein does.
Ask students to explain one new thing they learned about carbohydrates and healthy eating.
Introduce extension task: if time permits, brainstorm ideas for a pasta dish with different protein (e.g., chicken, beans).

Extension Activity

Design a recipe and write instructions for an alternative protein pasta dish using visual recipe cards.
Present ideas to the class or write a short paragraph explaining the benefits of chosen protein.

Assessment

Formative: Observation of students identifying carbohydrates and protein during discussion and practical task.
Peer assessment: Partners check each other following the recipe steps accurately and safely.
Teacher’s questioning during plenary to assess understanding of key nutritional concepts.
Review of extension activity for higher-level thinking and communication of ideas.

Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Supports

Use Sans Serif font (e.g., Arial) at minimum size 14 with spacing between lines.
Utilise pastel-coloured backgrounds (cream or pale blue) on recipe cards.
Incorporate images/icons at every step to visualise instructions.
Break instructions into small chunks with bullet points.
Provide key vocabulary poster with images and definitions.

Reflection for Teacher

Did students demonstrate understanding of carbohydrate’s role in energy provision?
How well did the pair work and shared responsibilities?
Were students engaged by the visual recipe format?
Consider adjustments for next lessons based on difficulties or enthusiasm.

This lesson plan ensures that the students develop important cooking skills alongside science knowledge about nutrition as defined by the National Curriculum, delivered in an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment.

Teaching Instructions