Digestive System
The digestive system is amazing: it takes the foods we eat and breaks them into smaller components that our bodies can use for energy, cell repair and growth. This lesson introduces students to the main parts of the digestive system and how they interact. In addition, the associated activity helps students learn about some of the challenges astronauts face when eating in outer space. Engineers figure out how to deal with such challenges.
Figure 1. Astronauts eating aboard the International Space Station (ISS).Copyright NASA http://exploration.nasa.gov/articles/pantry_9-02_lite.html
Just trying to take a drink or eat a meal in outer space can be very challenging. Scientists and engineers who work for NASA have designed special devices to help astronauts eat in microgravity. Students learn about some of these devices designed to help solve practical problems, and in the associated activity "Lunch in Outer Space," they design and create their own inventions for easier eating in space --- just like engineers.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- List the major components of the digestive system.
- Draw a basic diagram of the digestive system.
- Explain how engineers work to resolve the challenges of eating in outer space.