Title: Understanding the Structure of the Digestive System

Grade Level: 9th-12th grade

Objective: - Students will understand the structure and function of the digestive system. - Students will be able to explain how the digestive system is involved in sports nutrition.

Materials: - Diagrams or models of the digestive system - Whiteboard or chalkboard - Markers or chalk - Handouts with key terms and definitions - Internet access for research (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes) a. Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about the digestive system. Write their responses on the board. b. Explain that the digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. It plays a crucial role in sports nutrition by providing energy and nutrients for athletes.

2. Structure of the Digestive System (20 minutes) a. Show students a diagram or model of the digestive system and explain the different parts: mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. b. Discuss the function of each part:
   • Mouth: Chewing and mixing food with saliva
   • Esophagus: Transporting food from the mouth to the stomach
   • Stomach: Breaking down food with stomach acid and enzymes
   • Small Intestine: Absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream
   • Large Intestine: Absorbing water and electrolytes, forming feces
   • Rectum and Anus: Eliminating waste from the body c. Use the handouts to provide students with key terms and definitions related to the digestive system.
3. Digestive System and Sports Nutrition (20 minutes) a. Explain to students that the digestive system is crucial for athletes to perform at their best. b. Discuss how different nutrients are broken down and absorbed by the digestive system:
   • Carbohydrates: Broken down into glucose for energy
   • Proteins: Broken down into amino acids for muscle repair and growth
   • Fats: Broken down into fatty acids for energy storage c. Emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and proper digestion for athletes to fuel their bodies effectively. d. Discuss common digestive issues that athletes may face, such as dehydration, bloating, and gastrointestinal distress, and how to prevent or manage them.

4. Application Activity (15 minutes) a. Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific nutrient (carbohydrates, proteins, or fats). b. Instruct each group to research and create a short presentation on how their assigned nutrient is digested and absorbed by the digestive system. c. Allow time for each group to present their findings to the class.

5. Conclusion (5 minutes) a. Recap the main points discussed in the lesson, emphasizing the importance of the digestive system in sports nutrition. b. Encourage students to apply their knowledge of the digestive system to make informed dietary choices for optimal athletic performance.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during class discussions and group activities. - Evaluate the accuracy and clarity of students’ presentations on nutrient digestion and absorption. - Assign a short written reflection where students explain the role of the digestive system in sports nutrition and how they can apply this knowledge to their own dietary choices.