Gross Science

The human body has many amazing systems that seem to function without us having to think about them. Last week, the grade 3 students took a look at one of these systems. They were introduced to the digestive system through an exciting science experiment that one of the students so eloquently reported on in the following reflection:

Digestion Experiment

Materials: ½ a banana, cracker, ¼ cup water, bowl, glass with a hole in the bottom, stocking, Ziploc bag, newspaper, paper towel, and scissors.

What we did:

First we cracked the cracker into the bag that was supposed to be the stomach. Then we placed the ½ banana into the bag, but peeled it first, then sealed the bag with not much air in it. Next we put the water in it too. After that we sealed the bag with not much air in it and then we smashed it all with our hands for five minutes. Afterwards we cut a small hole in the corner of the bag so the food can slide out of the bag and into the stocking, which is the intestine. Then we squeezed the food into the stocking (on the newspaper). After this we squeezed the food through the stocking to the bowl. Then we squeezed the food into the cup.

What I learned:

I learned that there are chemicals in the stomach when you eat and also how the large intestine takes the water from the food and then the food goes to the anus and to the toilet.

Other responses to ‘what I learned’:

·        I thought that it was a good way to learn the digestive system and it really looked like it’s in your body or yourself. It was really gross, but we learned how it looks in your body.

·        We learned how the small intestine, esophagus, and salivary glands work and where they are.

·        I liked it because it was very ugly. I learnt that chemicals can be important.

·        I learned that our body is working every day.

·        I learned about the body and how food goes into your body.

 gathering the materials

 putting food in the stomach                   breaking down the food

food enters the intestine

food waste stored in the rectum

Taking Action

Following the lesson with the digestion experiment, Martina took action and brought in a model of the digestive system that she had at home and did a demonstration of how the digestive system works to the class. The students were given a chance to try the model themselves. It was a great way for them to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts learned during the lesson.