Digestion Learning Activities for Middle School Science

The zip file containing this product has three different student activities. The human digestion learning packet consists of 14 pages of structured reading with associated questions which will facilitate and reinforce student learning. The activities in this package are is available in both pdf and word format, which can be edited to suit the needs of yourself and your students. The file also contains a digestion crossword puzzle (1 page) and a nutrient and indicator test activity (5 pages). A Human Digestion PowerPoint (20 slides) and completion notes to accompany the PowerPoint (4 pages) is also included. A human digestion quiz (3 pages/25 questions) is also included. With the exception of the nutrient indicator test activity, the other items are well suited for use in a distance learning setting.

The NGSS, Common Core and local learning goals are included in this zip file as well.

NGSS Learning Standard

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

MS-LS1-3. Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy

RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.

RI.6.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

WHST.6-8.1 Write arguments focused on discipline content.

Nutrition Learning Goals

Upon completion of this unit the student will:

1.   define the terms nutrition and ingestion.
2.   explain the composition of roughage (fiber) and list a reason the body needs this.
3.   recognize that carbohydrates should provide at least 50% of the energy needs of the body.
4.   explain why large molecules require chemical digestion.
5.   explain the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion.
6.   state the chief role(s) of the following in the human digestive process; mouth, tongue, teeth and salivary glands.
7.   define the term peristalsis and recognize that it begins in the esophagus in humans.
8.   describe the role of the epiglottis and esophagus in human digestion.
9.   describe the role of the stomach in human digestion.
10. recognize it is the job of the liver to make bile and the gall bladder to temporarily store bile.
11. recognize the function of bile is to break fats into smaller globules in the small intestine.
12. describe the role of pancreatic juice in the digestive process in the small intestine.
13. explain how bile and pancreatic juice are carried to the small intestine.
14. describe the roles of the small intestine in digestion.
15. discuss the role of the folding of the small intestine and the villi which line its surface.
16. state the chief function of the large intestine.
17. given a diagram of the human digestive system, label the major organs of the human digestive system.
18. discuss system interactions between the digestive system and circulatory system.
19. discuss system interactions between the digestive system and respiratory system.

Terms of Use

Purchase of the product is for classroom use by the purchaser only. It is a violation for individuals, schools, and districts to redistribute or sell this item to other individuals. I encourage you to post these documents in google classroom or similar platform for distance learning purposes to your students.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.