What are the four major tasks accomplished by the human digestive system, as discussed in the video?

Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination.

Explain the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion, and give an example of where each occurs in the digestive system.

Mechanical digestion is the physical breakdown of food (e.g., chewing in the mouth). Chemical digestion is the breakdown of food using enzymes (e.g., salivary amylase in the mouth or gastric juices in the stomach).

What is the role of saliva in digestion, and why is 'dry mouth' potentially harmful?

Saliva contains enzymes to break down carbohydrates, buffers to neutralize acidity, and lubricates food. 'Dry mouth' can be harmful because the lack of saliva can lead to tooth decay due to the absence of these protective functions.

Describe the function of the epiglottis and explain why it is important.

The epiglottis is a flap that blocks the trachea (windpipe) when swallowing food. This prevents food from entering the respiratory system.

What is peristalsis, and where does it occur?

Peristalsis is the wave-like muscle contractions that move food down the esophagus to the stomach.

How Digestion Works

6th GradeScience60 min

aligned to Ngss Ms-ls1-7

Learning Objective

I can describe how the digestive system breaks down food into nutrients the body can use.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

9 min

Digestive System

Amoeba Sisters

Guided Notes

12 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
The four major tasks of the digestive system are ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination.
•
Saliva contains enzymes that start chemical digestion in the mouth, while teeth perform mechanical digestion.
•
The liver produces bile to help break down lipids, the gallbladder stores the bile, and the pancreas produces juices with digestive enzymes.

Practice

18 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Describe the four major tasks of the human digestive system and what happens during each task.”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
Printable student handouts

How Digestion Works

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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