Ruminating on the Digestive System

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In this activity, learners will review the functions of basic digestive organs, understand how diet affects digestion, understand how digestive tracks may differ, and then step outside to compare the digestive systems of the buffalo and the zebra in a lively demonstration. This lesson plan includes key vocabulary words, teacher background information, and is standards-based.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • The Herbivore Digestive System Student Worksheet
  • Worksheet Answer Key
  • Two Strategies of Digestion in Hoofed Mammals Teacher Reference Sheet
  • overhead transparency
  • dry-erase markers
  • colored pencils or markers
  • jumbo sidewalk chalk (at least 5 pieces)
  • meter stick or measuring tape
  • hula hoops or colored ribbon, rope, or towels (optional)
  • 1-L bottle (optional)
  • Graph Overhead (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
      • Viruses and Bacteria
      • Classification
    • Ecology
    • Human Body
      • Digestion

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • California Academy of Sciences

Rights:

  • , California Academy of Sciences, 2008