This engaging resource pack combines our popular STEM Journal with hands-on investigations and creative activities that explore how the human body processes food. Perfect for Key Stage 2 learners, children will investigate digestion, build models, and discover how to keep their digestive system healthy while documenting their learning in their STEM Journal.
Included Resources +
This pack includes nine activity sheets with accompanying lesson plans and a STEM Journal for recording digestive system investigations and discoveries.
• STEM Journal — interactive notebook for recording digestive system investigations and discoveries
• Food's Journey Through The Body — trace the path of food from mouth to waste
• Digestive System Playdough Model — create a 3D model of the digestive organs
• Breaking Down Fats Investigation — explore how the body breaks down different nutrients
• Measuring The Digestive System — discover the incredible lengths of intestines and other organs
• Measuring Liquids — investigate capacity and volume in the context of digestion
• Identify The Functions Of The Digestive System — learn what each organ does in the digestive process
• Teeth Decay Investigation — explore how different substances affect tooth enamel
• Create A Teeth Model — build a model showing different types of teeth and their functions
Key Details +
• Year Group: Year 4 (ages 8–9)
• Key Stage: KS2
• Subject: Science
• Resource Type: Activity Sheets + Lesson Plans + STEM Journal
• Format: Instant PDF Download
• Number of Activities: 9
Curriculum Alignment +
Aligned to the Year 4 Science National Curriculum. Covers animals including humans — describing the simple functions of the basic parts of the digestive system in humans, identifying the different types of teeth in humans and their simple functions, and constructing and interpreting a variety of food chains. Develops understanding of nutrition, dental health, and how to maintain a healthy digestive system. Cross-curricular links to Maths (Year 4 — Measuring The Digestive System and Measuring Liquids, capacity and volume) and DT (Digestive System Playdough Model and Create A Teeth Model — 3D modelling).
Teaching Tips +
Digestive System Playdough Model is the standout activity — assign each organ a different colour of playdough and have children arrange them in sequence on a large sheet of paper. The finished models make a striking classroom display. Measuring The Digestive System is a brilliant wow moment — roll out string to the actual length of the small intestine (around 6–7 metres) and take it outside to lay it flat; children are always astonished. Teeth Decay Investigation works best set up at the start of the unit using eggs in different liquids (cola, orange juice, water, milk) — results are visible after a week and generate excellent discussion about dental hygiene. Breaking Down Fats Investigation pairs naturally with a discussion about healthy eating and nutrition.
