Digestive System Functions Activities for Middle School Science
Help students explore the digestive system with this engaging, student-led 5E lesson! Covering key functions and components, the lesson includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments for differentiated learning. Aligned with TEKS 7.13A, it follows the 5E Model, starting with engagement activities like objectives and discussion guides. Exploration features a nine-station lab with hands-on demos, reading passages, research activities, videos, and interactive assessments. Explanation includes PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and structured note-taking. Students extend learning through choice projects, while evaluation offers STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials. Available in both print and digital formats, with Spanish translations, this lesson ensures accessibility and a deep understanding of how the digestive system processes food into energy. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of the digestive system. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Digestive System 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit covering the main functions and key components of the digestive system. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments designed for differentiated, multimodal learning with low to no prep. The lesson is aligned with the 2021 TEKS 7.13A standard and is available in both printable and digital formats, with Spanish translations for key materials.
Following the 5E Model, the lesson begins with engagement activities, including objectives, word wall cards, and teacher discussion guides. Exploration features a differentiated station lab with nine stations, offering hands-on demos, reading passages, research activities, videos, and interactive assessments. Explanation includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks in multiple formats, and structured note-taking templates. Students extend their learning in the elaboration phase through choice projects, while evaluation includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review worksheets, and discussion questions.
This flexible lesson supports both in-class and virtual learning, ensuring accessibility for all students. The well-structured, engaging approach helps middle school students understand how the digestive system processes food and nutrients into energy.
The Kesler Science Digestive System 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit covering the main functions and key components of the digestive system. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments designed for differentiated, multimodal learning with low to no prep. The lesson is aligned with the 2021 TEKS 7.13A standard and is available in both printable and digital formats, with Spanish translations for key materials.
Following the 5E Model, the lesson begins with engagement activities, including objectives, word wall cards, and teacher discussion guides. Exploration features a differentiated station lab with nine stations, offering hands-on demos, reading passages, research activities, videos, and interactive assessments. Explanation includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks in multiple formats, and structured note-taking templates. Students extend their learning in the elaboration phase through choice projects, while evaluation includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review worksheets, and discussion questions.
This flexible lesson supports both in-class and virtual learning, ensuring accessibility for all students. The well-structured, engaging approach helps middle school students understand how the digestive system processes food and nutrients into energy.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led station lab aligned with TEKS 2021 standard 7.13A. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this interactive lesson guides students in identifying and modeling the main functions of the digestive system through nine differentiated stations.
Students explore new concepts through hands-on activities, videos, readings, and research tasks. They demonstrate their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station provides extension activities for advanced learners. English and Spanish reading passages support differentiated instruction.
This low-prep, high-engagement resource promotes active learning and critical thinking.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led station lab aligned with TEKS 2021 standard 7.13A. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this interactive lesson guides students in identifying and modeling the main functions of the digestive system through nine differentiated stations.
Students explore new concepts through hands-on activities, videos, readings, and research tasks. They demonstrate their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station provides extension activities for advanced learners. English and Spanish reading passages support differentiated instruction.
This low-prep, high-engagement resource promotes active learning and critical thinking.
The Digestive System Functions Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A, offering middle school students a variety of creative ways to demonstrate their understanding. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible projects allow for differentiation, with a modified version that includes targeted support for students needing remediation and challenge options for advanced learners. Teachers can customize the rubric to fit grading needs. The projects require standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, and many can be completed digitally.
The Digestive System Functions Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A, offering middle school students a variety of creative ways to demonstrate their understanding. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible projects allow for differentiation, with a modified version that includes targeted support for students needing remediation and challenge options for advanced learners. Teachers can customize the rubric to fit grading needs. The projects require standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, and many can be completed digitally.
The Digestive System Inquiry Lab aligns with TEKS standards by engaging students in a hands-on exploration of the digestive system’s structure and function. Students will model the digestive process, investigating mechanical and chemical digestion, enzyme activity, peristalsis, and the importance of food.
This resource includes three differentiated labs to accommodate various learning needs. The Dependent Student Lab provides guided instruction with inquiry questions, the Modified Student Lab offers a structured approach with sentence stems and multiple-choice questions, and the Independent Student Lab allows advanced learners to take control of the investigation with minimal guidance.
Teacher resource pages include preparation details, standards, objectives, and additional materials. Editable reflection questions encourage students to construct claim, evidence, and reasoning statements. Answer keys simplify grading, and provided labels help facilitate hands-on participation. Using common materials like M&Ms or Skittles, Ziploc bags, newspaper, spray bottles, and sponges, this engaging lab makes learning about digestion interactive and memorable.
The Digestive System Inquiry Lab aligns with TEKS standards by engaging students in a hands-on exploration of the digestive system’s structure and function. Students will model the digestive process, investigating mechanical and chemical digestion, enzyme activity, peristalsis, and the importance of food.
This resource includes three differentiated labs to accommodate various learning needs. The Dependent Student Lab provides guided instruction with inquiry questions, the Modified Student Lab offers a structured approach with sentence stems and multiple-choice questions, and the Independent Student Lab allows advanced learners to take control of the investigation with minimal guidance.
Teacher resource pages include preparation details, standards, objectives, and additional materials. Editable reflection questions encourage students to construct claim, evidence, and reasoning statements. Answer keys simplify grading, and provided labels help facilitate hands-on participation. Using common materials like M&Ms or Skittles, Ziploc bags, newspaper, spray bottles, and sponges, this engaging lab makes learning about digestion interactive and memorable.
The Body Systems Escape Room is an interactive experience that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the major body systems, including their structures and functions. Prior knowledge of these systems is necessary before participating.
This escape room gives teachers full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class time and student needs. It can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more authentic lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet for Google Classrooms, editable templates, video challenges, and engaging props. Students will work through puzzles using various materials, such as a mirror, red cellophane, or an optional UV pen and flashlight. Reward templates, over 50 prize ideas, and fun photo signs enhance the experience, making this a memorable, standards-aligned learning activity.
The Body Systems Escape Room is an interactive experience that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the major body systems, including their structures and functions. Prior knowledge of these systems is necessary before participating.
This escape room gives teachers full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class time and student needs. It can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more authentic lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet for Google Classrooms, editable templates, video challenges, and engaging props. Students will work through puzzles using various materials, such as a mirror, red cellophane, or an optional UV pen and flashlight. Reward templates, over 50 prize ideas, and fun photo signs enhance the experience, making this a memorable, standards-aligned learning activity.
This engaging lesson helps students explore the digestive system's structures and functions through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a labeled drawing activity. Designed for grades 6-8, with Lexile levels of 1100-1300, the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension.
The resource includes five to seven comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. It features engaging graphics that print well in grayscale and is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas.
Ideal for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing key digestive system concepts.
This engaging lesson helps students explore the digestive system's structures and functions through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a labeled drawing activity. Designed for grades 6-8, with Lexile levels of 1100-1300, the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension.
The resource includes five to seven comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. It features engaging graphics that print well in grayscale and is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas.
Ideal for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing key digestive system concepts.
The Digestive System Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative travel brochure-based writing exercise to test their understanding of life science. Aligned with TEKS, this activity reinforces knowledge of human body systems while encouraging science reasoning and exploration. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it keeps students engaged inside and outside the classroom.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics, along with projection and print-friendly handouts. Students receive full-sized and half-sheet versions of the prompt, self-check tools, pre-writing strategies, and layout templates. A digital interactive version in PowerPoint, compatible with Google Slides, allows for remote or in-person completion.
Ideal for cross-curricular activities, pre-test assessments, student choice projects, early finisher enrichment, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, or differentiation exercises, this writing prompt fosters engagement and creativity. It also makes a great addition to student anthologies or classroom displays. As a review activity, it assumes students have prior knowledge of the digestive system or access to research materials.
The Digestive System Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative travel brochure-based writing exercise to test their understanding of life science. Aligned with TEKS, this activity reinforces knowledge of human body systems while encouraging science reasoning and exploration. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it keeps students engaged inside and outside the classroom.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics, along with projection and print-friendly handouts. Students receive full-sized and half-sheet versions of the prompt, self-check tools, pre-writing strategies, and layout templates. A digital interactive version in PowerPoint, compatible with Google Slides, allows for remote or in-person completion.
Ideal for cross-curricular activities, pre-test assessments, student choice projects, early finisher enrichment, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, or differentiation exercises, this writing prompt fosters engagement and creativity. It also makes a great addition to student anthologies or classroom displays. As a review activity, it assumes students have prior knowledge of the digestive system or access to research materials.
The Body Systems WIKI Tickets© provide engaging formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science, offering flexible ways to check student understanding. This set includes nine assessments covering the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous (including senses), respiratory, and skeletal systems. Each topic is available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handout versions, and an interactive digital option in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick progress checks in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on their own paper, use printed handouts, or complete the digital version in a 1:1 or remote learning environment. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment. WIKI Tickets© provide a versatile and engaging way to assess student learning throughout the year.
The Body Systems WIKI Tickets© provide engaging formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science, offering flexible ways to check student understanding. This set includes nine assessments covering the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous (including senses), respiratory, and skeletal systems. Each topic is available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handout versions, and an interactive digital option in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick progress checks in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on their own paper, use printed handouts, or complete the digital version in a 1:1 or remote learning environment. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment. WIKI Tickets© provide a versatile and engaging way to assess student learning throughout the year.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems. These activities support critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They are perfect for wrapping up lessons, filling downtime, and keeping students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions provide flexible, high-level resources for independent learning and enrichment.
Covering topics such as the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, these extensions ensure students explore middle school anatomy and physiology in a meaningful way.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems. These activities support critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They are perfect for wrapping up lessons, filling downtime, and keeping students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions provide flexible, high-level resources for independent learning and enrichment.
Covering topics such as the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, these extensions ensure students explore middle school anatomy and physiology in a meaningful way.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces digestive system concepts through the real-world scenario of a hot dog eating contest. It includes an introductory reading with comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for learning, followed by an explanatory reading that breaks down the science behind digestion in an engaging way, with additional reinforcement questions.
Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A modified version provides sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these readings help students connect science content to real-world phenomena.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces digestive system concepts through the real-world scenario of a hot dog eating contest. It includes an introductory reading with comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for learning, followed by an explanatory reading that breaks down the science behind digestion in an engaging way, with additional reinforcement questions.
Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A modified version provides sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these readings help students connect science content to real-world phenomena.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions and Standards
Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the atoms unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
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