Get these digestive system stations at a discount in our Digestive System Unit!
Students learn about the DIGESTIVE SYSTEM and the absorption of nutrients as they move through 10 stations. Engaging student-led independent work!
This activity is designed to DIRECTLY TEACH the digestive system but is great as a review, as well! Each station includes a 1-page card with easy-to-digest information about structures and functions of the digestive system, how absorption works, and common disorders of the digestive system.
EASY PREP or GO PAPERLESS!
- To use the PRINT version: Simply make 1-2 copies of the station cards and place them around the room. Make a copy of the student worksheet for each student. Students travel from station to station gathering information and answering questions on the worksheet.
- To use the DIGITAL version: Follow the included link to make a copy of the Google Slides version and assign it in Google Classroom.
In this activity, students will:
- READ bite-sized (pun intended) information about digestion and absorption at 10 different stations.
- ANSWER questions on a corresponding worksheet as they visit each station. Some questions are a straightforward review of what’s been learned in the text, and some require a bit of critical thinking. The answers to all questions are found in the station cards – NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED!
Overview of Topics Covered:
- The terms ingestion, digestion, peristalsis, enzyme, absorption, excretion
- Digestive system organs
- An overview of enzymes (middle school level)
- The major steps of digestion and absorption
- Mechanical vs. chemical digestion
- Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates are digested and absorbed differently
- Interactions of the digestive system with other body systems
- Common digestive system disorders
Teacher Notes:
Related Standards:
- NGSS MS-LS1-3: Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
- NGSS MS-LS1-7: Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth, or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
