Secrets of the Food Pyramid

Latching on to the "pyramid" concept in the "food pyramid," this 5-video series on each of the food groups offers nutritional guidelines for elementary school audiences. Feeling vaguely carnivorous, we watched The Meat Group Chamber, which points out, among other things, that "meat" is not the only item on the meat group menu: eggs, fish, beans, nuts and seeds also qualify. Viewers will follow a trio of kids who are led by Chef Vlande L'Gume into the meat group chamber located deep within the Egyptian-looking food pyramid. Here, Chef L'Gume deciphers hieroglyphics pertaining to suitable foods, suggested servings and portion sizes. While the video box claims that the material is aimed at fourth through sixth graders, I would suggest that this is more suitable for second and third graders for two reasons. First, the basic material is not dependent on previous lessons--the food pyramid, even though it has changed over the years--is a relatively simple concept by itself. Second, the Egyptian motif presented straight without ironic hip detachment will hold a 12-year-old's attention for about 1.5 seconds. The accompanying teacher's guide is excellent; however, the video series seems pricey (a single video using the same motif would have worked as well if not better) and the program I watched lacked the truly snappy writing that distinguishes high quality curriculum materials. Optional. Aud: E, I. (R. Pitman)