What are the parts of the digestive system called? - Presentation

The curriculum for Science Year 4 includes an exploration of the human digestive system, where pupils are encouraged to describe and understand the functions of its basic parts. They also learn to identify and explain the roles of different types of human teeth. Additionally, the curriculum covers the construction and interpretation of food chains, helping pupils to recognise producers, predators, and prey. The educational materials provide a comprehensive overview of the digestive system, detailing the functions of each organ involved in the digestion process. For instance, the oesophagus is identified as the stretchy tube that transports food from the throat to the stomach, while the pancreas is recognised for producing enzymes that aid in digestion.

Furthermore, the resources explain the importance of the intestines, with the small intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients and minerals, and the large intestine for absorbing water from indigestible food. The program also covers dental anatomy, highlighting the functions of different types of teeth such as molars, which are used for chewing and grinding, and canines, which are used for ripping and tearing food. To facilitate understanding, the program includes activities like recreating the digestive system in class and using food chains to identify ecological roles. The teaching materials utilise a structured approach with stages like 'link it, learn it, check it, show it, and know it' to ensure that pupils not only learn but also retain the information about the digestive system and its relevance to the human body.