Introductory Human Body Systems Lesson on Digestion.
This interactive Google Slides lesson introduces students to the structure and function of the human digestive system through a carefully scaffolded sequence of visual modeling, guided analysis, and applied practice. Students build a foundational understanding of how food is processed, broken down, and absorbed, while developing essential biological vocabulary and systems-thinking skills.
Students begin by exploring the overall purpose of the digestive system and the pathway food follows through the body. They identify and label major organs of digestion and examine the specific role each organ plays in mechanical and chemical digestion. Through drag-and-drop and structured response activities, students connect structure to function across the system.
The lesson then deepens student understanding of digestion at the molecular level by introducing enzymes and the breakdown of macromolecules. Students analyze how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine and transported for use by the body, reinforcing the idea that digestion is a coordinated, multi-step process rather than a single event.
To connect biology to real-world relevance, students explore common digestive system disorders and consider how disruptions in organ function affect the entire system. Throughout the lesson, students practice interpreting diagrams, applying vocabulary, and explaining biological processes using evidence from visuals and models.
This lesson is designed for in-person or digital classrooms and includes built-in opportunities for formative assessment and structured reflection. A printable, literacy-based exit ticket is included for optional written synthesis and cross-disciplinary skill development.
This lesson supports students in:
Identifying major digestive system organs and their functions
Tracing the pathway of food through the body
Understanding mechanical vs. chemical digestion
Explaining nutrient absorption in the small intestine
Connecting organ function to overall system performance
Applying concepts to real-world digestive health
With its clear progression, visual emphasis, and student-centered activities, this lesson provides an accessible and rigorous introduction to human digestion that prepares students for more advanced study of body systems.
To see a preview of this lesson, click here.
Recommended Grade Levels:
6–9 (ideal for middle school life science and introductory biology)
Best Fit Courses:
• Middle School Life Science
• Human Body Systems
• Introductory Biology
• Health Science (biological systems focus)
• Biology support or remediation
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs):
MS-LS1.A — Structure and Function
Complex multicellular organisms have systems of specialized cells that work together to support life processes.
MS-LS1.B — Growth and Development of Organisms
Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer their genetic information to their offspring. (secondary connection through digestion supporting growth and development)
LS1.C — Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
Plants, algae, and animals use food to fuel body processes, growth, and reproduction.
Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):
✔ Developing and Using Models
Students use diagrams and interactive activities to model how food moves through the digestive system and how organs contribute to digestion.
✔ Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Students interpret visual and informational representations of digestive organs and nutrient absorption.
✔ Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Students read scientific information about digestion and apply vocabulary to labeled structures and processes.
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
✔ Structure and Function
Students connect the shape and structure of digestive organs to their roles in digestion and absorption.
✔ Systems and System Models
Students study the digestive system as an interacting set of organs that work together to process food.
✔ Energy and Matter
Students track how matter (food) is broken down and how nutrients move through the system.
This lesson does meet the threshold for literacy alignment because students:
• Read scientific text
• Use domain-specific vocabulary
• Interpret visual information
• Apply concepts through written and labeled responses
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.4
Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7
Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually.
Introductory Human Body Systems Lesson on Digestion.
This interactive Google Slides lesson introduces students to the structure and function of the human digestive system through a carefully scaffolded sequence of visual modeling, guided analysis, and applied practice. Students build a foundational understanding of how food is processed, broken down, and absorbed, while developing essential biological vocabulary and systems-thinking skills.
Students begin by exploring the overall purpose of the digestive system and the pathway food follows through the body. They identify and label major organs of digestion and examine the specific role each organ plays in mechanical and chemical digestion. Through drag-and-drop and structured response activities, students connect structure to function across the system.
The lesson then deepens student understanding of digestion at the molecular level by introducing enzymes and the breakdown of macromolecules. Students analyze how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine and transported for use by the body, reinforcing the idea that digestion is a coordinated, multi-step process rather than a single event.
To connect biology to real-world relevance, students explore common digestive system disorders and consider how disruptions in organ function affect the entire system. Throughout the lesson, students practice interpreting diagrams, applying vocabulary, and explaining biological processes using evidence from visuals and models.
This lesson is designed for in-person or digital classrooms and includes built-in opportunities for formative assessment and structured reflection. A printable, literacy-based exit ticket is included for optional written synthesis and cross-disciplinary skill development.
This lesson supports students in:
Identifying major digestive system organs and their functions
Tracing the pathway of food through the body
Understanding mechanical vs. chemical digestion
Explaining nutrient absorption in the small intestine
Connecting organ function to overall system performance
Applying concepts to real-world digestive health
With its clear progression, visual emphasis, and student-centered activities, this lesson provides an accessible and rigorous introduction to human digestion that prepares students for more advanced study of body systems.
To see a preview of this lesson, click here.
Recommended Grade Levels:
6–9 (ideal for middle school life science and introductory biology)
Best Fit Courses:
• Middle School Life Science
• Human Body Systems
• Introductory Biology
• Health Science (biological systems focus)
• Biology support or remediation
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs):
MS-LS1.A — Structure and Function
Complex multicellular organisms have systems of specialized cells that work together to support life processes.
MS-LS1.B — Growth and Development of Organisms
Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer their genetic information to their offspring. (secondary connection through digestion supporting growth and development)
LS1.C — Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
Plants, algae, and animals use food to fuel body processes, growth, and reproduction.
Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):
✔ Developing and Using Models
Students use diagrams and interactive activities to model how food moves through the digestive system and how organs contribute to digestion.
✔ Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Students interpret visual and informational representations of digestive organs and nutrient absorption.
✔ Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Students read scientific information about digestion and apply vocabulary to labeled structures and processes.
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
✔ Structure and Function
Students connect the shape and structure of digestive organs to their roles in digestion and absorption.
✔ Systems and System Models
Students study the digestive system as an interacting set of organs that work together to process food.
✔ Energy and Matter
Students track how matter (food) is broken down and how nutrients move through the system.
This lesson does meet the threshold for literacy alignment because students:
• Read scientific text
• Use domain-specific vocabulary
• Interpret visual information
• Apply concepts through written and labeled responses
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.4
Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7
Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually.
