Activity Overview
The biggest function of digestion is breaking up food into nutrients that the body can easily digest and put to good use. There are several types of digestive enzymes that assist with this process, all of which serve different functions. In this activity, students will create diagrams of the digestive enzymes and macronutrients they break down. Students have the opportunity to get creative with this project, or can use the shapes and colors to represent different enzymes.
To challenge your more advanced students, have them write a summary of the function of each nutrient in the description box.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Describe how three different macronutrients are broken down using shapes in a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use shapes and arrows to show how different nutrients are broken down into smaller molecules. Remember, you can select multiple objects by holding Shift or by highlighting a large area.
- Make sure to include the name of the macronutrient, the name of the enzyme, and the products after digestion.
- In the description box, write a sentence or two that describes the process.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enzyme diagrams | All the enzyme diagrams are correct and easy to understand showing the starting and end nutrients. | Most of the enzyme diagrams are correct and easy to understand showing the starting and end nutrients. | Some of the enzyme diagrams are correct and easy to understand showing the starting and end nutrients. |
| Description | The digestion is correctly and clearly described for proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. | The digestion is correctly and clearly described two of the following: proteins, carbohydrates or lipids. | The digestion is correctly and clearly described one of the following: proteins, carbohydrates or lipids. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
The biggest function of digestion is breaking up food into nutrients that the body can easily digest and put to good use. There are several types of digestive enzymes that assist with this process, all of which serve different functions. In this activity, students will create diagrams of the digestive enzymes and macronutrients they break down. Students have the opportunity to get creative with this project, or can use the shapes and colors to represent different enzymes.
To challenge your more advanced students, have them write a summary of the function of each nutrient in the description box.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Describe how three different macronutrients are broken down using shapes in a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use shapes and arrows to show how different nutrients are broken down into smaller molecules. Remember, you can select multiple objects by holding Shift or by highlighting a large area.
- Make sure to include the name of the macronutrient, the name of the enzyme, and the products after digestion.
- In the description box, write a sentence or two that describes the process.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enzyme diagrams | All the enzyme diagrams are correct and easy to understand showing the starting and end nutrients. | Most of the enzyme diagrams are correct and easy to understand showing the starting and end nutrients. | Some of the enzyme diagrams are correct and easy to understand showing the starting and end nutrients. |
| Description | The digestion is correctly and clearly described for proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. | The digestion is correctly and clearly described two of the following: proteins, carbohydrates or lipids. | The digestion is correctly and clearly described one of the following: proteins, carbohydrates or lipids. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Digestive Enzymes Diagram Activity
How to Lead a Hands-On Demonstration of Digestive Enzymes Using Everyday Items
Engage students by showing real-life examples of digestive enzyme action with simple household items, making the concept more tangible and memorable.
Gather common kitchen supplies for your demonstration
Collect items like crackers, bananas, clear cups, water, and a bit of pineapple or meat tenderizer (which contains enzymes). These accessible materials will help illustrate how enzymes break down food in a fun, relatable way.
Model how enzymes work with hands-on mixing
Place a cracker in one cup with water, and another with water plus a sprinkle of meat tenderizer or pineapple juice. Stir both and observe changes. This shows how enzymes speed up digestion by breaking down the food faster.
Prompt students to record and discuss their observations
Ask students to note what happens in each cup over a few minutes, comparing results. Guide them to connect these changes to the action of digestive enzymes in the body.
Connect the demonstration to science vocabulary and diagrams
Encourage students to use correct terms like enzyme, substrate, and products as they explain what they saw. Link their hands-on experience back to the diagrams they create in class.
Frequently Asked Questions about Digestive Enzymes Diagram Activity
What is a digestive enzymes diagram activity for students?
A digestive enzymes diagram activity is a hands-on lesson where students visually represent how different digestive enzymes break down macronutrients into smaller molecules, using shapes, arrows, and labels to enhance understanding of the digestive process.
How can I teach students about digestive enzymes using visual diagrams?
To teach students about digestive enzymes with diagrams, have them create storyboards showing each enzyme, the macronutrient it breaks down, and the resulting molecules, using shapes and arrows for clarity and engagement.
What are examples of macronutrients and the enzymes that break them down?
Examples include: Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, protease digests proteins, and lipase targets fats. Each enzyme is specific to its macronutrient, helping convert food into absorbable nutrients.
Why is it important for students to understand digestive enzymes?
Understanding digestive enzymes helps students grasp how the body turns food into essential nutrients, deepening their knowledge of biology and human health.
What are some creative ways to represent enzymes and nutrients in a classroom activity?
Students can use different shapes, colors, and arrows to symbolize enzymes and nutrients, or design interactive storyboards to visualize the digestive process in a memorable and engaging way.
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