Digestive System Experiments
Welcome to our study with Apologia’s Human Anatomy and Physiology. Today, we are on module 4 – the digestive system. We’ve done some easy, fun digestive system experiments that have taught us more about how parts of the system work together.
Related: Lots more experiments, projects, and anatomy and physiology resources
I have to admit. The kids had a little more fun studying the digestive system than I thought they were going to have. While my 6th grade daughter is actually the one taking the course, my 2nd-grade son got into the activities we did – mainly because of the gross factor. I mean spit, churned up food, and poop. What more can a boy ask for? yuck.
This lesson was full of fun hands-on projects for the kids to do. Each one really made an impression on the kids. You should hear our lunchtime digestions conversation. Maybe, they learned too much…
See Amylase In Action
Amylase is a digestive enzyme found in saliva that breaks down starches. We did a simple digestive system experiment to let the kids actually see and experience the way amylase works.
- Put a small piece of saltine on the tongue.
- Within seconds you should start to feel the cracker start to dissolve. That is the amylase breaking down the starch in the cracker.
- Place a small piece of cheese on the tongue.
- After 20 seconds remove the cheese and look at it. Besides being wet, there should be no change. There is no starch in cheese so the amylase had nothing to break down.
Create A Stomach
This is a great project to re-create the churning and breaking down of food that takes place in the stomach.
- Place a piece of bread and 2-3 tbsp of water in a Ziploc bag.
- Squeeze the bag with the hands simulating the action of the stomach-churning food.
- Notice how the water and churning turn the piece of bread into an almost liquid form. This is similar to the chyme that is released by the stomach into the small intestine.
Notebooking Journal
The Notebooking Journal that goes with the Apologia Human Anatomy text is a great resource. It makes taking notes, learning and explaining information found in the text fun. Lesson 4 had lots of great activities, but making the digestion system comic was my daughter’s favorite.
More Resources
Teaching the Digestive System by “Making Poop”
Biology for Kids: The Digestive System
Does food fall down to the stomach?
Digestive System Song: Food into Energy
How the Digestive System Works Video
How Long Are Your Small Intestines?
Digestive System Lesson Plan: preschool-early elementary
The Digestive System: STEM resources
Digestive System Hands-On Activities – Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestines
Digestion Simulation: Middle School
Digestion Activity-Carolina Science at HomeVideo How-to
Digestive System Labeling interactive
Digestive System Interactive Worksheet
Digestive System Activities Preschool
How does Bile Break Down Fat? Experiment
A Trip Through the Digestive System
Digestive System Apron Activity
MORE ABOUT SYSTEMS OF THE HUMAN BODY
Circulatory System Study Resources
Respiratory System Study Resources
Visit Science Saturday at MeetPenny.com and see how much fun her kids are having with this lesson.
