Higher:
I can state that the function of the digestive system is to break down food so the nutrients it contains can enter our bloodstream.
Middle:
I can recall the path from takes as it travels through the digestive system.
Lower:
I can name the organs which make up the digestive system.
Ask children big question - Why do you think we need food? Ask the children what they think we get from food that is good for us?
Children to write answers on a post-it note or create a mind-map in groups for all the reasons we need food.
Can extend the discussion to: what if some of our food didn't come out as waste?
Answers are given on following slide.
Presentation - starter slide.
Run through the presentation about the digestive system, asking questions as suggested. Encourage pupils to think about what might happen to their food after they eat it.
Children should be given the first page of the Handout to complete during presentation.
Presentation
Sticky notes
Handout - Page 1
Watch today's film with expert Mike Linley, who talks about the digestive system of a sloth.
Presentation - expert film.
Model of the digestive system
For this Mission Assignment, you will need to watch the Mission Assignment Film of presenter Jon's model of the digestive system.
Either as they are watching the film, or when the film has finished, children should complete the Handout to show understanding.
If you wish, you could replicate the process from the film to show to the class.
Presentation - Mission Assignment Film
Handout
Ask the children to write an article which explains how the digestive system works. The second page of the Handout can be used for this.
Quiz
With their talk partners, the children are to go through the quiz at the end of the presentation and answer the questions.
Quiz in presentation
Handout - Page 2
Do pupils understand how the digestive system works?
Do pupils understand how their diet impacts how well their digestive system works?
Can pupils explain that the digestive system starts the moment you smell food?
Can pupils summarise what they have learned?
Quizzes available in pupil zone.
Unit knowledge organiser and test available in documents.
In our mouths food mixes with.... (saliva)
As the food moves down the oesophagus...
The stomach's job is to...
The small intestines...(break down the food)
The large intestine...
The Science Behind the Science
Here are the major stages of the digestive system:
1. Chewing
Our mouths have three different types of teeth, the incisors, canines and molars. The teeth that we chew at the back of our mouths are molars. They are adapted for chewing because they have a large surface area which we can grind our food down with.
2. Swallowing
The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped piece of cartilage at the back of our throats (just above the voice box). It stops food going into our trachea and lungs and makes sure it goes down our oesophagus to our stomach.
3. Stomach
Our stomachs are filled with hydrochloric acid, which is a strong acid that breaks down our food. The acid in our stomach also forms part of our immune system, as it can destroy some types of bacteria and viruses which we might have ingested.
4. Small Intestine
The small intestine has a very large surface area, not only due to its length but also because it has folds called villi. The noises you sometimes hear from your tummy when you're hungry is actually your small intestine cleaning itself in preparation for food!
5. Large Intestine
The main function of the large intestine is to remove water from our food. For this reason, it can be removed, if need be, without impacting a person's life too much. They will, however, need to drink more fluids to avoid dehydration.
Find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans, for survival (water, food and air).
Biological systems - Body systems and cells - By investigating some body systems and potential problems which they may develop, I can make informed decisions to help me to maintain my health and well-being.
The study of the characteristics, systems, and behaviours of humans and other animals, and of plants; the interactions and relationships between and among them, and with the environment.
Observing closely, using simple equipment.
Identifying and classifying.
Cross-Curricular Link for Mathematics: Measurement: Ask pupils to weigh the raw materials before and after the digestion process and compare results. Choose and use appropriate standard units to estimate and measure mass (kg/g) to the nearest appropriate unit, using measuring vessels and scales.
Grade 3 - Our Body.
Grade 4 - Life Science - Living Things - The Animal Kingdom - Animals with Backbones - Digestive food in animals
Briefly describe the organs used by the body for nutrient intake
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