lesson

Start the food's journey

1 · Learn

Digestion breaks food into substances the body can absorb and use. In the mouth, teeth break food into smaller pieces, the tongue moves it and saliva moistens it and begins breaking down some starch.

After swallowing, food moves down the oesophagus to the stomach. Muscles help move it along; it does not simply fall into a bag because you stand upright.

MouthOesophagusStomach
Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

I trace a bite of food from mouth through oesophagus to stomach. I do not send it down the windpipe: that carries air to the lungs.

3 · Your turn

Which tube carries swallowed food towards the stomach? What is one job of teeth in digestion?

Check your answer

The oesophagus. Teeth break food into smaller pieces.

4 · Apply your learning

Label an accurate adult-selected digestive-system diagram and explain the route aloud using arrows.

Adult guidance and safety

No swallowing demonstrations or food challenges. Use diagrams or safe non-food models and respect individual medical needs.

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My observation notebook

With an adult, look at a safe real example or a checked photograph. Name the example and say which you used. Record what you actually notice. Do not taste plants or materials, approach unknown animals or invent missing observations.

Ask your teacher for support with the method and recording. A prediction is what you think might happen; an observation is what you actually see, hear or feel safely.

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