Topic Four (1.4): Digestive system

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

  • describe the structure and function of the main parts of the digestive system;

  • describe the process of digestion.


Introduction Icon.png Introduction

You learnt in the last topic how food contains different nutrients. In this topic you will learn how your digestive system gets the nutrients out of the food you eat.


Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

  • The digestive system is an example of an organ system. If you didn't study the Year 7 Science course or can't remember what an organ system is, have a look at page 25 and 26 in Activate 1. Links to an external site.You can also download and keep the Knowledge Organiser for the second chapter in Activate one that covers the organisation topic and other body systems:

DOWNLOAD & KEEP - B1 Chapter 2: Structure and function of body systems (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

VIEW - Resource 1: Food for Thought PowerPoint (slide 11 & practise labelling slide 12) Download VIEW - Resource 1: Food for Thought PowerPoint (slide 11 & practise labelling slide 12)

  • Read pages 10–11.
  • Make sure that you can label the digestive system and remember that digestion is not just everything that happens in the digestive system, the real definition must be more specific.
  • Learn that ‘digestion is the breakdown of large (insoluble) molecules into small (soluble) molecules so that they can pass into the bloodstream’

WATCH - Animation: Digestion and Enzymes (Second slide - Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

  • Know the function of all of the parts of the digestive system. Simulate the movement of food through the digestive system by squeezing a tennis ball through one leg of a pair of tights. Keep the tights as you will need them next lesson. 

Review Icon.png Review

Answer summary questions 1, 2 and 4 on page 11. You will go into more detail related to question 4 in the next lesson.


Bridge Icon.png Support activity for this topic

WATCH - Digestive System (Revision Monkey - YouTube)

COMPLETE - B2 1.4 Interactive screen: Parts of the digestive system (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.


Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

If you would like an extra challenge, complete the creative writing activity:

COMPLETE - Resource 1: Food for Thought PowerPoint (slide 18) Download COMPLETE - Resource 1: Food for Thought PowerPoint (slide 18)


Download Icon.png Check your answers

Student Book Answers - Biology 2 Chapter 1 Download Student Book Answers - Biology 2 Chapter 1