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Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


At the beginning of a unit on the digestive system, it's important for students to have a foundation of which organs are involved and their function. In this activity, students will label a model of the digestive system. They should include a description of what happens at each stage in the process along with the label. To scaffold this activity, consider providing a list of organs and having students place arrows pointing toward the correct organ.


Digestive System Diagram Example

StageDescription
MouthFood enters the alimentary canal through the mouth. It is chewed by teeth which break food down into smaller pieces. The food is mixed with saliva that contains enzymes.
EsophagusThe fibromuscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach is called the esophagus. Food is pushed down using a wave-like muscular motion called peristalsis.
StomachThe stomach is the muscular organ where food is mixed with gastric juices. Gastric juice has a low pH, meaning it is acidic, and is used to help digest food and kill potentially harmful bacteria.
LiverIn the digestive system, the liver produces bile which helps with the digestion of fats and oils.
GallbladderThe gallbladder is where bile is stored and concentrated.
PancreasThe pancreas is where biological catalysts called enzymes are produced. Digestive enzymes speed up the breaking down of large nutrient molecules.
Small IntestinesThe small intestines are made up of three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. Here, food is mixed with digestive enzymes and bile. The enzymes speed up the digestion process. Nutrients are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
Large IntestinesThe large intestines are made up of two parts: the colon and the rectum. In the colon, water is reabsorbed from the food. Feces are stored in the rectum until they are ready to be passed.
AnusFeces leave the alimentary canal through the anus.


Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

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

Create a labeled model of the digestive system. Identify the main parts and describe their function.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Search for "digestive system". Pull down the diagram into the cell.
  3. Label the parts of the digestive system using Textables and arrows.
  4. Describe the function of the different parts of the digestive system.

Lesson Plan Reference


Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Labeled diagram
Label the diagram giving the functions of each part.
Proficient Emerging Beginning
Labels
All the labels are correct.
Most of the labels are correct.
Some of the labels are correct.
Functions
All the functions are correct with no grammar or spelling mistakes.
Most of the functions are correct with some grammar and spelling mistakes.
Some of the functions are correct with many grammar and spelling mistakes.
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


At the beginning of a unit on the digestive system, it's important for students to have a foundation of which organs are involved and their function. In this activity, students will label a model of the digestive system. They should include a description of what happens at each stage in the process along with the label. To scaffold this activity, consider providing a list of organs and having students place arrows pointing toward the correct organ.


Digestive System Diagram Example

StageDescription
MouthFood enters the alimentary canal through the mouth. It is chewed by teeth which break food down into smaller pieces. The food is mixed with saliva that contains enzymes.
EsophagusThe fibromuscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach is called the esophagus. Food is pushed down using a wave-like muscular motion called peristalsis.
StomachThe stomach is the muscular organ where food is mixed with gastric juices. Gastric juice has a low pH, meaning it is acidic, and is used to help digest food and kill potentially harmful bacteria.
LiverIn the digestive system, the liver produces bile which helps with the digestion of fats and oils.
GallbladderThe gallbladder is where bile is stored and concentrated.
PancreasThe pancreas is where biological catalysts called enzymes are produced. Digestive enzymes speed up the breaking down of large nutrient molecules.
Small IntestinesThe small intestines are made up of three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. Here, food is mixed with digestive enzymes and bile. The enzymes speed up the digestion process. Nutrients are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
Large IntestinesThe large intestines are made up of two parts: the colon and the rectum. In the colon, water is reabsorbed from the food. Feces are stored in the rectum until they are ready to be passed.
AnusFeces leave the alimentary canal through the anus.


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

Create a labeled model of the digestive system. Identify the main parts and describe their function.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Search for "digestive system". Pull down the diagram into the cell.
  3. Label the parts of the digestive system using Textables and arrows.
  4. Describe the function of the different parts of the digestive system.

Lesson Plan Reference


Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Labeled diagram
Label the diagram giving the functions of each part.
Proficient Emerging Beginning
Labels
All the labels are correct.
Most of the labels are correct.
Some of the labels are correct.
Functions
All the functions are correct with no grammar or spelling mistakes.
Most of the functions are correct with some grammar and spelling mistakes.
Some of the functions are correct with many grammar and spelling mistakes.
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 The Structure of the Digestive System

1

Set up a hands-on digestive system simulation in your classroom

Engage students by using household items (like sandwich bags, crackers, and soda) to demonstrate how each organ processes food. This visual, interactive approach helps students better understand the function of each part in the digestive system.

2

Gather simple materials for your simulation

Collect items such as zip-top bags for the stomach, crackers or bread for food, water or clear soda for saliva and gastric juices, and nylon stockings for intestines. These everyday objects make the process relatable and easy to visualize for students.

3

Organize students into small groups and assign roles

Divide the class into groups and have each student represent or operate a different organ (e.g., mouth, stomach, small intestine). This encourages active participation and helps every student engage with the lesson.

4

Guide students through the digestive journey step by step

Lead the class as food "travels" through each organ. For example, have students crush crackers to mimic chewing, mix with water to show saliva, and use the bag as the stomach. Explain what each step represents in the real digestive process.

5

Facilitate a discussion on what students observed

Ask students to share what surprised them or what was difficult about simulating digestion. Relate their observations back to the function of each organ, reinforcing key concepts from your digestive system unit.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Structure of the Digestive System

What are the main organs involved in the digestive system?

The main organs of the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestines, large intestines (colon and rectum), and anus. Each organ plays a specific role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

How can I teach students to label the digestive system easily?

To help students label the digestive system, provide a clear diagram and a list of organ names. Have students use arrows and Textables to point out each organ and write a short description of its function. Scaffold learning by offering prompts or partially completed diagrams for support.

What happens to food at each stage of the digestive system?

Food is chewed and mixed with saliva in the mouth, moves down the esophagus via peristalsis, is broken down by acids in the stomach, processed by enzymes and bile in the small intestine, and water is absorbed in the large intestine. Waste exits through the anus.

Why is it important for students to understand the structure of the digestive system?

Understanding the structure of the digestive system helps students grasp how nutrients are processed and absorbed, supports healthy lifestyle choices, and builds a foundation for future biology topics.

What is a simple activity for teaching the digestive system to middle schoolers?

A simple activity is to have students create a labeled model of the digestive system, using a diagram to identify and describe the function of each organ. This hands-on approach reinforces learning and aids retention.




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