8th Grade Digestive System Process Lesson Plan (Science)

Topic:The Digestive System

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to explain the processes of ingestion, absorption, assimilation, and excretion in the digestive system.

Materials

• Diagram of the digestive system
• Simulated organs (such as plastic models of a stomach and intestine) or real organs (such as a chicken heart or pig intestine) for demonstration
• Handouts with diagrams and descriptions of the processes

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever eaten or drunk anything that made them feel sick or uncomfortable. What happened?
• Discuss the processes of the digestive system and how it helps the body absorb nutrients and get rid of waste.

Direct Instruction

• Show the diagram of the digestive system and point out the organs and structures.
• Discuss the process of ingestion, or taking in food and drink, including chewing, swallowing, and digestion.
• Explain the process of absorption, or the transfer of nutrients from the digestive system to the blood and cells.
• Discuss the process of assimilation, or the use of nutrients by the body to build and repair tissue.
• Explain the process of excretion, or the removal of waste from the body.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to complete a worksheet on the digestive system process.
• Go over the answers as a class.

Independent Practice

• Have students create a PowerPoint presentation on the digestive system process.
• Students should include information on ingestion, absorption, assimilation, and excretion.
• Give students time to research and create their presentations.

Closure

• Have students share their PowerPoint presentations with the class.
• As students are presenting, have the rest of the class listen and take notes.

Assessment

• Collect and grade the presentations as a form of assessment.
• Alternatively, ask students to write a short paragraph explaining one of the processes and its importance in maintaining good health.