Digestive System Functions Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 7.13A

This complete unit equips middle school teachers with everything needed to teach the main functions and key components of the digestive system. Students explore how the organs and tissues of the digestive system work together to break down food and transform nutrients into energy. The resource includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, a differentiated station lab, and assessments. Designed for multiday use with minimal prep, it emphasizes student-led, differentiated learning so teachers can focus on supporting student success.

Essential Questions for Students

• What are the main functions of the digestive system?

• How can we model the main functions of these tissues and organs?

Standards Alignment: Meets 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A.

Key Features

• Differentiated materials to support learners at various levels

• Multimodal learning activities to keep students engaged and motivated

• Maximum flexibility—resources provided in both printable and digital formats

• Editable PowerPoints for customization

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, a station lab passage, and interactive notebook pages

Instructional Framework: The 5E Model

This lesson follows the 5E instructional model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—ensuring a balance of inquiry, guided practice, and assessment.

Engage

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with discussion prompts, class activities, and notes on misconceptions

Explore

• A nine-station, student-led lab introducing the structure, functions, and common diseases of the digestive system

Input Stations:

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension checks

• Research It! – Guided online activity with structured questions

• Watch It! – Short video with reflection prompts

Output Stations:

• Organize It! – Printable and digital card sorts for categorization

• Write It! – Open-ended responses in complete sentences

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching digestive system structures and processes

• Assess It! – Vocabulary-in-context and mastery-based questions

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Crosswords, puzzles, games, and mini-projects for enrichment or early finishers

Explain

• Editable PowerPoints (standard and interactive versions)

• Interactive Notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaborate

• Student-choice projects on the digestive system’s components and functions to extend learning

Evaluate

• Assessments updated for STAAR 2.0, available in standard and modified versions

• Review worksheets and discussion questions for practice, homework, or test review

Flexible Learning Options

This lesson is designed for both in-person and virtual classrooms. The digital station lab and interactive notebook activities are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to integrate into blended or online learning.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.