This Science video introduces teachers to a lesson in which pupils explore the key organs of the human digestive system and their functions by evaluating a practical model. It guides teachers through using everyday equipment to represent each stage, from mechanical breakdown in the mouth with a masher, to nutrient absorption in the small intestine using tights, and water removal in the large intestine with a sponge. The lesson also prompts pupils to assess the strengths and limitations of the model compared to the real digestive process, encouraging them to suggest improvements.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Science – human body. It supports teachers in demonstrating the digestive system in an engaging, hands-on way while developing pupils’ ability to link model parts to real organs, identify inaccuracies, and consolidate their understanding of organ order and function.

Science, key stage 2, Year 4, Animals including humans: Digestion and food, Lesson 1: The human digestive system