Digestive System Lesson Plan - A Complete Science Lesson Using the 5E Method of Instruction

By the end of this lesson about the digestive system, students will be able to identify the main functions of the digestive system and how it is structured. They'll also be able to identify the main organs associated with this system. Each of our lessons is designed using the 5E method of instruction to ensure maximum comprehension by the students. This well-thought out unit does the heavy lifting, giving teachers easy-to-implement, highly engaging lesson plans.

This blog will walk you through each of the steps and activities of the Digestive System 5E Lesson Plan.

ENGAGEMENT

Objective Introduction

At the beginning of the lesson, the class will do a Think-Pair-Share to discuss the objective.

Class Activity

1. Have students line up, half on each line, facing each other.
2. Explain to the students that the path between them is the digestive tract. They will all work together, using peristalsis (muscle movement), to push the food particle down the digestive tract, as well as doing their individual jobs.
3. Assign each student a job, based on his/her position along the digestive tract.
   • The first two students (the first students in each line) are molars. Then:
     • saliva, pancreas, stomach, small intestines, blood, large intestines, and rectum
     • You can add or take away parts here depending on number of students in your class
4. Double up on jobs as necessary to provide everyone with a role. Explain what each student is responsible for during this activity.
5. Students will carry out their assigned jobs.
   • Molars: rip up food
   • Saliva: begins chemical digestion in food
   • Pancreas: continues chemical digestion in food
   • Stomach: continues physical digestion breaking down food
   • Small Intestine: absorbs the nutrients and passes them to the blood
   • Blood: distributes nutrients throughout the body
   • Large Intestine: absorbs excess water
   • Rectum: removes waste

Student Activity

1. Discuss the digestive system parts with the class.
2. Have them recall the function of each.
3. Have them brainstorm about other parts of the digestive system that may not have been used in this activity.
4. Have the students draw a timeline for a bite of food as it passes through each organ in the digestive system.

The teacher will then help to clear any misconceptions their students have about the digestive system. A common but major misconception, for example, is that students think that digestion happens only in the stomach and gunk builds up in our gut, and we should clean it out.

Estimated Class Time for the Engagement: 20-30 minutes

EXPLORATION

This student-centered station lab is set up so students can begin to explore the digestive system. With nine stations in total, you can introduce the digestive system to your middle school students in a variety of ways! Four of these stations are considered input stations where students will learn new information about the digestive system, and four of the stations are output stations where students will be demonstrating their mastery of the lesson's material. A bonus station offers challenges for your early finishers and independent learners. You can read more about how I set up the station labs here.

Watch It!

At this station, students will be watching a short video explaining the digestive system. Students will then answer questions related to the video and record their answers on their lab station sheet. For example: What is the function of the digestive system? What is the function of the stomach in the digestive system? Briefly describe the path food takes after it enters your mouth.

Read It!

This station will provide students with a one-page reading about the digestive system. There are four follow-up questions that the students will answer to demonstrate their comprehension of the reading material.

Explore It!

Students will be working in pairs to better understand the digestive system. In this station, students will be observing a diagram of the digestive system. As they explore, students will record their observations on their lab sheet.

Research It!

The research station will allow students to explore an interactive webpage that has students take a scientific approach to understanding the digestive system. Students will be instructed to complete a few tasks and record answers on their lab sheets.

Organize It!

Students at this station will match the sets of cards. Students will read a series of cards and will match the visual with where this function is taking place. Once students have completed their organization, the teacher will check their understanding.

Illustrate It!

Your visual students will love this station. Students are to create and label a diagram that shows the function of the digestive system.

Write It!

Students who can answer open-ended questions about the lab truly understand the concepts that are being taught. At this station, the students will be answering three task cards: Explain the digestive system including the structures involved and the function of the system. Describe at least one physical change and one chemical change that happens during digestion. Think about how nutrients are absorbed into your body. What impact will a steady diet of junk food or fast food have on your body?

Assess It!

The Assess It station is where students will go to prove mastery over the concepts they learned in the lab. The questions are set up in a standardized format with multiple choice answers. Some questions include: Which is not a part of the digestive system? Which of these activities is not related to the digestive system? What is the function of the small intestine in the digestive system? Which is not a physical change in the digestive system?

Challenge It! - Bonus Station

Early finishers and advanced students will love the extension activities in this station. Four activity choices offer them ways to expand their learning through mini-games and mini-projects.

Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: One or two 45-minute class periods

EXPLANATION

The explanation activities will become much more engaging for your class once they’ve completed the exploration station lab. During the explanation piece of the lesson, the teacher will be clearing up any misconceptions their students may have about the digestive system with a variety of materials. These materials include on-level and modified versions of the interactive presentation (may be used individually or projected), anchor charts, and paper or digital interactive notebook activities. If you have students that need modified notes, the 5E lessons come equipped to help give every student access to the lesson.

The students will also be interacting with their journals while taking notes from the PowerPoint. If you have students that need modified notes, the 5E lessons come equipped to help give every student access to the lesson.

Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: Two or three 45-minute class periods

ELABORATION

The elaboration section of the 5E method of instruction gives students choices that allow them to prove they’ve mastered the concepts behind the lesson. When students are given a choice, they’re much more enthusiastic and invested in the project than they are when their teachers choose their projects for them. There are a total of nine choices to demonstrate understanding of the digestive system. A separate set of choices that offer more teacher support are also available for students that need them. Rubrics guide students to doing their best work and assist in grading.

Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: Two or three 45-minute class periods (can also be used as an at-home project)

EVALUATION

The final piece of the 5E model is to evaluate your students' comprehension. Included in every 5E lesson is a homework assignment, assessment, and modified assessment. Research has shown that homework needs to be meaningful and applicable to real-world activities in order to be effective. When possible, I like to give open-ended assessments to truly gauge the student’s comprehension.

Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: One 45-minute class period

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