In this unit, students will trace the path of the digestive system starting with hunger and the purpose of eating food. Students will explore the digestive system and its different parts, understanding the hierarchy of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Students will also look at the building blocks of the body, cells. Students will end with identifying how waste leaves the body and investigating the nutritional needs of our bodies as well. Students investigate the human digestive system to identify how our bodies use food for energy. Students will further investigate living things’ need for food in Grade 5 Unit 2 Energy and Matter in Ecosystems.

The human digestive system is the part of our bodies that works to bring food in to be broken down for chemical energy and that eliminates wastes. All body systems are made up of cells, which make up tissues and organs that work together to perform certain functions. Cells are the smallest living parts in our bodies and need energy from the food we eat.

In this unit, students listen and read along with the Teacher Read Aloud of Student Book. Students identify the parts of the digestive system, including cells, tissues, and organs. Students also read about the purpose of eating. Reading about cells and the digestive system is reinforced by teacher demonstrations. Students further explore the digestive system through investigations with their own bodies and through manipulation of objects and materials.

CKSci is informed by the NGSS, which encourages student learning through hands-on activities and collecting data. This activity-centered approach requires, at times, that schools collect or purchase materials and equipment that will be needed to complete activities.

Complete materials supply list for CKSci Unit 5: Human Cells and Digestion