The purpose of this learning experience is to engage 8th-grade students in a multidisciplinary exploration of nutrition and mathematics by using linear equations to design balanced meal plans. Through hands-on activities, such as a farm visit and reading "Omnivore's Dilemma," students will develop a deeper understanding of how food choices impact health and energy. By integrating art, social studies, science, math, and English Language Arts, students will create models demonstrating how food is transformed in the body, while also tracking their dietary habits to meet nutritional guidelines. This project encourages self-directed learning as students reflect on feedback and their progress, culminating in an exhibition for the middle school community.

Students will develop and apply their understanding of linear equations to create and analyze balanced meal plans that align with nutritional guidelines. They will explore the chemical reactions involved in food digestion and energy release, meeting NGSS MS-LS1-7 standards. Through self-directed learning, students will reflect on their dietary habits, using feedback to make informed choices and adjustments. The project will integrate art, social studies, science, math, and English Language Arts to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthy food choices and personal nutrition.

Students will collaboratively create a comprehensive meal plan that incorporates healthy food choices and aligns with nutritional guidelines, using linear equations to ensure balance and variety. They will develop a digital presentation to share their meal plans, showcasing their understanding of how food is rearranged through chemical reactions to support growth and energy release. Additionally, students will maintain a personal dietary journal, using linear equations to analyze and improve their eating habits over the course of the project. The project will culminate in an exhibition where students present their findings and meal plans to the middle school community, demonstrating their learning across multiple disciplines.

Kick off the project with a visit to a local farm where students will explore the journey of food from farm to table. During the visit, students will engage in hands-on activities such as harvesting vegetables and discussing the nutritional value of different produce. Following the farm visit, students will read excerpts from "Omnivore's Dilemma" to deepen their understanding of food choices and sustainability. This launch activity will provide a real-world context for students to begin thinking about how they can apply linear equations to create balanced meal plans and track dietary habits.

Students will host a Healthy Food Fair for the middle school community, where they will present their balanced meal plans and personal dietary tracking projects. Each group will create interactive displays that illustrate how they used linear equations to balance nutritional guidelines and track dietary habits. Attendees will engage with student-created models demonstrating the chemical reactions in food that support growth and energy release. The exhibition will also include taste-testing stations featuring meals prepared according to the students' meal plans, allowing the community to experience the practical application of their learning.