Food WebQuest Worksheet
Name: ____________________________________ Date: ________________
Period/Class: _________
Interactive Science Investigation
WebQuest: Processed, Ultra-Processed, & Non-Processed Foods
Introduction
Every day, people make choices about the foods they eat. Some foods come straight from nature, while others are changed in factories before reaching the grocery store. In this WebQuest, you will explore the differences between ultra-processed, processed, and non-processed foods, and how they affect your lifelong health.
Your Task
Research trusted medical and nutritional sources using the direct hyperlinks below to answer questions about each food category. Then, examine your own daily dietary patterns and identify specific foods you can cut out or add for better health.
Curated Online Research Links (Click to Open) All links tested & student-ready
Ultra-Processed Links
[
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods & Why Are They Bad?
Source: TODAY Health / Experts](https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/ultra-processed-foods-rcna124843)
[
Harvard Health: What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Source: Harvard Medical School](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-are-ultra-processed-foods-and-are-they-bad-for-our-health-2020010918605)
[
Most Foods We Eat Are Ultra-Processed. Are All Unhealthy?
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan](https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/processed-foods/)
Additives, sugars, emulsifiers
Processed Foods Links
[
Mayo Clinic: Processed Foods Explained
Source: Mayo Clinic Health System](https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/processed-foods-what-you-should-know)
[
What Are Processed Foods? What's OK & What's Not
Source: Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics](https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/nutrition-facts-and-food-labels/processed-foods-whats-ok-and-whats-not)
[
American Heart Association: Processed Foods
Source: American Heart Assoc.](https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/processed-foods)
Canning, cooking, oil/salt added
Non-Processed Links
[
Processed Foods and Health: The Case for Whole Foods
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan](https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/processed-foods/)
[
How to ‘Un-Process’ Your Diet for Better Health
Source: Cleveland Clinic](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-unprocess-your-diet)
[
Harvard Health: 5 Ways to 'Un-Process' Your Diet
Source: Harvard Health Blog](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-un-process-your-diet-202107292556)
Fresh, raw, natural state
Student Instructions: Click on any hyperlink above to open that resource. Then, proceed to Page 2 and Page 3 to record your findings and personal commitments.
Page 1 of 3
WebQuest: Processed, Ultra-Processed, & Non-Processed Foods Name: ____________________________________
Investigation Step 1
Research: Ultra-Processed Foods
Direct Links: Harvard Health • TODAY Health
Directions: Open the suggested websites to answer the 4 questions below. Record clear, specific details based on your online research.
1 What makes a food ultra-processed? Explain how they are manufactured and what ingredients are added.
2 Give 10 examples of ultra-processed foods:
3 What are some health effects of eating ultra-processed food daily? (List at least 4 specific health risks):
4 Personal Reflection: List 3 ultra-processed foods that you can commit to cutting out or reducing in your diet:
A
B
C
WebQuest: Ultra-Processed Food Investigation Page 2 of 3
WebQuest: Processed, Ultra-Processed, & Non-Processed Foods Name: ____________________________________
Step 2: Processed Foods
Sources: Mayo Clinic • EatRight
1. What makes a food processed?
2. Give 10 examples of processed foods: (different from ultra-processed)
3. What are health effects of eating processed food daily?
4. List 3 processed foods you can commit to cutting out:
•
•
•
Step 3: Non-Processed Foods
Sources: Harvard T.H. Chan • Cleveland Clinic
1. What makes a food non-processed?
2. Give 10 examples of non-processed foods:
3. What are health effects of eating non-processed food daily?
4. List 3 non-processed foods you can commit to putting in your diet:
•
•
•
Reflection: Write 3–5 sentences about what you learned and how it will influence your daily choices.
WebQuest: Processed & Non-Processed Food Investigation • Synthesis Page 3 of 3
