Subject: Science
Grade Level: Grade 8
Objective:
1. Identify the parts and function of the digestive system.
2. Develop an appreciation for the importance of a healthy digestive system for
overall well-being.
3. Create a model to show how food travels in the digestive system.
I. Before the Lesson / Pre-lesson Proper
Learning within the curriculum:
1. Human Body Systems - Understanding how different systems, such as the
respiratory and circulatory systems, work together with the digestive system for
overall health.
2. Nutrition and Health - Exploring the relationship between diet, digestion, and
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Learning across the curriculum:
1. Health Education - Discussing healthy eating habits and their impact on the
digestive system.
2. Physical Education - Examining how physical activity influences digestion and
overall health.
Activating Prior Knowledge:
Teaching Strategy: Cooperative Learning
Instructional Materials: Chart paper, markers, and visuals of the digestive system.
Energizer 1: Digestive System Charades - Students act out the functions of different
parts of the digestive system (e.g., chewing for the mouth, churning for the stomach)
for their classmates to guess.
Energizer 2: Think-Pair-Share - In pairs, students share what they know about the
digestive system, then report back to the class their findings.
Establishing Lesson Purpose / Intention:
Today, we will learn about the digestive system, its parts, and how it functions to
keep us healthy. Understanding how our body processes food helps us make better
choices for our well-being and appreciate the importance of a healthy digestive
system.
Lesson Language Practice/Unlocking of Difficulties:
Key Terms:
1. Digestion
2. Enzymes
3. Absorption
Key Concepts:
1. The digestive system is crucial for breaking down food into nutrients our body can
use.
2. A healthy digestive system is vital for overall health and energy levels.
II. During the Lesson Proper
Reading the Key Idea:
The digestive system consists of various organs that work together to process food,
breaking it down into nutrients that the body can absorb and use.
Developing Understanding of the Key Idea:
Activities
Activity 1: Digestive System Model
Teaching Strategy: Project-Based Learning
Materials: Materials such as clay, cardboard, or recycled items.
Significance: Students will create a 3D model of the digestive system, enhancing
understanding through hands-on learning.
Instructions:
1. In groups, gather materials to create a model of the digestive system.
2. Label each part and explain its function.
3. Present your model to the class.
Rubrics:
- Accuracy of Model: 5 pts.
- Clarity of Labels: 5 pts.
- Presentation Skills: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. What is the function of the stomach in digestion?
2. How does the small intestine facilitate absorption?
3. Why is it important to maintain a healthy digestive system?
Activity 2: Food Journey Simulation
Teaching Strategy: Experiential Learning
Materials: None required (can be done in an open space).
Significance: Students will simulate the journey of food through the digestive
system, reinforcing understanding through movement.
Instructions:
1. Students will line up and represent different parts of the digestive system (e.g.,
mouth, esophagus, stomach).
2. As a group, enact the process of digestion from eating to absorption.
3. Discuss the role of each part afterward.
Rubrics:
- Participation: 5 pts.
- Understanding of Movements: 5 pts.
- Teamwork: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. What happens to food in the stomach?
2. How do the intestines assist in digestion?
3. Why is digestion important for our health?
Deepening Understanding of the Key Idea:
Activity: Digestive System Discussion
Teaching Strategy: Inquiry-based Learning
Materials: None required.
Significance: Students will engage in a guided discussion to explore the importance
of digestion and its effects on health.
Instructions:
1. Pose open-ended questions about the effects of poor digestion on health.
2. Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences related to digestion.
3. Summarize the key points made during the discussion.
Rubrics:
- Engagement in Discussion: 5 pts.
- Quality of Responses: 5 pts.
- Ability to Connect Concepts: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. How can poor digestion affect overall health?
2. What foods are best for a healthy digestive system?
3. How does hydration impact digestion?
III. After the Lesson / Post-lesson Proper
Making Generalizations / Abstractions:
In today's lesson, we learned that the digestive system is essential for breaking down
food and absorbing nutrients, which are vital for our health and energy. A healthy
digestive system supports overall well-being, and understanding its parts can help us
make informed dietary choices. Recognizing the relationship between digestion and
health can empower us to take better care of our bodies.
Assessment - Evaluating Learning:
Teaching Strategy: Direct Instruction
Questions:
1. What are the main parts of the digestive system?
2. Describe the function of the small intestine.
3. Why is it important to eat a balanced diet for digestion?
For Higher Order Thinking Skills:
Questions:
1. How might a diet high in processed foods impact the digestive system?
2. What connections can you draw between digestion and energy levels?
3. How can understanding the digestive system influence your food choices?
Answers:
1. Processed foods can disrupt digestion due to lack of fiber and nutrients, leading to
issues like constipation.
2. Efficient digestion ensures that nutrients are absorbed, which provides the energy
needed for daily activities.
3. Knowledge of the digestive system encourages healthier food choices, focusing
on whole, nutrient-rich foods.
Additional Activities for Application / Remediation:
1. Write a short reflection on how your eating habits impact your digestive health and
what changes you might consider making. This can be done in a simple notebook or
on any available paper at home.
