We are still going strong with the digestive system. Today we looked at the role and function of the digestive system. We discussed how once the bolus leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine, it is the the consistency of a smoothy, therefore easier for the the blood stream to absorb nutrients through the villi of the small intestine (I KNOW it is overly simplified). We then did the following activity (from http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/explore/pollute/water2_digestive_system.htm) in teams of 2, to help them visualize the transport of nutrients across the small intestine wall:
They were able to "see" that nutrients without the assistance of water just stay there. Once we added the water it was very easy to see how the nutrients left the small intestine and are transported into the blood (the inner cup). They were amazed!
Here is a picture of before we added water and after we added water.
Tomorrow we will be doing another activity that helps to explain the breakdown of fats and proteins in the small intestine with the assistance of the liver and pancreas. Will post those pictures too.
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