Activity Overview
An alternative to the "Structure of the Digestive System" activity would be to have separate cells for each part of the digestive system, rather than one large diagram. In this activity, students will create a spider map identifying and defining the functions of each organ in the digestive system. Sometimes it can be helpful to have each organ isolated in order to focus in on what it does.
Digestive System Diagram Example
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Mouth | Food 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. |
| Esophagus | The fibromuscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach is called the esophagus. Food is pushed down using a wave-like muscular motion called peristalsis. |
| Stomach | The 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. |
| Small Intestines | The small intestines are made up of three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ilium. Here, food is mixed with enzymes and bile. The enzymes speed up the digestion process. Nutrients are then absorbed into the bloodstream. |
| Large Intestines | The 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. |
| Anus | Feces 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 spider map that identifies and describes the different organs in the digestive system.
-
Click "Start Assignment".
- Search for "digestive system". Pull down the digestive system diagram into each cell.
- Type the name of organs into the title boxes: Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestines, Large Intestines, and Anus.
- Identify the parts of the digestive system. Each cell should have one part of the diagram colored a different color than the rest, matching the title box.
- Write the function of the of the part of the digestive system below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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
An alternative to the "Structure of the Digestive System" activity would be to have separate cells for each part of the digestive system, rather than one large diagram. In this activity, students will create a spider map identifying and defining the functions of each organ in the digestive system. Sometimes it can be helpful to have each organ isolated in order to focus in on what it does.
Digestive System Diagram Example
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Mouth | Food 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. |
| Esophagus | The fibromuscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach is called the esophagus. Food is pushed down using a wave-like muscular motion called peristalsis. |
| Stomach | The 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. |
| Small Intestines | The small intestines are made up of three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ilium. Here, food is mixed with enzymes and bile. The enzymes speed up the digestion process. Nutrients are then absorbed into the bloodstream. |
| Large Intestines | The 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. |
| Anus | Feces 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 spider map that identifies and describes the different organs in the digestive system.
-
Click "Start Assignment".
- Search for "digestive system". Pull down the digestive system diagram into each cell.
- Type the name of organs into the title boxes: Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestines, Large Intestines, and Anus.
- Identify the parts of the digestive system. Each cell should have one part of the diagram colored a different color than the rest, matching the title box.
- Write the function of the of the part of the digestive system below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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 Parts of the Digestive System
How to create a hands-on digestive system model with everyday materials
Engage students by building a simple digestive system model using common classroom supplies like zip-top bags, pantyhose, and crackers. This interactive activity will help students visualize how each organ works together and make science learning fun!
Gather household items for each digestive organ
Collect zip-top bags (mouth and stomach), a long sock or pantyhose (intestines), a cup (esophagus), water, crackers, and food coloring. Assign each item to represent a real organ. Using familiar objects makes abstract concepts concrete for students.
Demonstrate how food moves through each organ
Have students break up crackers (chewing) and mix with water and food coloring (saliva) in a zip-top bag (mouth). Squeeze the bag to mimic chewing and mixing. Showcase peristalsis by sliding the mush through the cup (esophagus) into the next bag (stomach).
Simulate digestion and absorption in the intestines
Pour the mixture into the pantyhose or sock (intestines). Squeeze gently to push the mixture through, highlighting how nutrients are absorbed and waste moves along. Students observe the changes at each stage, reinforcing organ functions.
Discuss what happens to waste at the end of the process
Collect leftover material at the end of the pantyhose or sock (rectum and anus). Explain how the body reabsorbs water and stores waste before elimination. Wrap up with a group reflection on how the model represents real digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parts of the Digestive System
What are the main parts of the digestive system and their functions?
The main parts of the digestive system include the mouth (breaks down food and mixes with saliva), esophagus (moves food to the stomach), stomach (uses acids and enzymes to digest food), small intestines (absorbs nutrients), large intestines (absorbs water and forms feces), and anus (expels waste).
How can students easily learn the functions of each digestive organ?
Students can use a spider map to visually organize and describe each organ's function. By isolating each part, coloring diagrams, and writing descriptions, learners better understand the role of each digestive organ.
What is a spider map activity for the digestive system?
A spider map activity involves creating a diagram with separate cells for each digestive organ, labeling them, coloring each part, and noting its specific function to visually reinforce learning.
What are some quick lesson ideas for teaching the digestive system?
Quick lesson ideas include using interactive diagrams, creating spider maps for each organ, having students label and color parts, or discussing the path food takes through the digestive system.
Why is it helpful to study each part of the digestive system separately?
Studying each part separately helps students focus on specific functions, prevents confusion, and supports deeper understanding of how organs work together in digestion.
More Storyboard That Activities
Digestive System
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
