Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Regional Office IX, Zamboanga Peninsula

8
Z est for Progress
Z Peal of artnership

Science Grade 8
Quarter 4 - Module 1
The Digestive System

Name of Learner:
Grade & Section:
Name of School:
Module
The Digestive System
1

What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you master the concepts behind the Digestive System (S8LT-IVa-13).
The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning
situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of
students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the
course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond
with the textbook you are now using.
After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. describe how the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts work

2. explain ingestion, absorption, assimilation, and excretion; and
3. identify common ailments of the digestive system.

The digestive system is truly astonishing. It takes the foods we eat and
breaks them into smaller components that our bodies can utilize for energy,
cell repair, and growth. This lesson presents the main parts of the digestive
system and how they interact.
The easiest way to understand the digestive system gastrointestinal (GI)
is to divide its organs into two main categories. The first group is the organs
that make up the alimentary canal. These organs are part of the "tube" our
food travels through from the mouth to the anus. Accessory digestive organs
comprise the second group. Food never enters or passes through these
organs, but they are significant for orchestrating food breakdown. Accessory
digestive organs, despite their name, are significant to the function of the
digestive system.

2
 What’s In
12

Activity 1: Concept Map

Using the words/phrases from the word box below, complete the concept map on
the Digestive System.

anus small intestine esophagus peristalsis

stomach large intestine mouth water reabsorption
ulcer digestive disorders principal organ exit of solid waste

Digestive System

is responsible for the breakdown of can be affected due to

food imbalance

which starts from which may lead to

the

1. 11.
to the such as

moves
2. food 3. 12.
through
to the

acts as
4. the 5.

to the

6.

to the

is the
7. site for 8.

then

serves
9. as the 10.

3
 What’s New
Activity 2
Part A. A Sweet Break
Objectives:
After performing this activity, you should be able to:
1. describe the process of mechanical digestion; and
2. explain how the physical breaking down of food helps in its digestion.

Materials Needed:
two 100 mL beakers or clear containers
warm water
two pieces of candies (hard candies)
mortar and pestle
paper towel

Procedure:
1. Fill the two beakers with warm water. See to it that the amount of water
placed in each glass is about similar. And then label the glasses A and B.
2. Prepare two pieces of candies. Wrap a piece of candy in a paper towel and
crush it using a mortar and pestle or any hard object like a piece of wood.
3. Place one piece of candy into the glass of warm water labeled A and put the
crushed piece of candy in the remaining glass of warm water labeled B.
4. Observe how long it takes for the whole candy in Glass A and the crushed
piece of candy in Glass B to dissolve.
Q1. How does crushing the candy to smaller pieces affect its dissolution?

Q2. What does crushing the candy represent in the process of digestion?

Part B. How Does It Taste?

Have a piece of a soda cracker. Chew it for about three (3) minutes before
you swallow it. Observe the changes the soda cracker will undergo as you
mechanically and chemically digest it. Record your observation in the table below.
Taste of the Food
Food Item
Before Chewing After Chewing
Soda Cracker/Biscuit

1. What organs are involved in

chewing the soda cracker?
2. What do you think
happened to the soda
cracker in your mouth?

4
 What is it
Digestion is the breakdown of large food particles into smaller and
absorbable nutrients needed for energy production, growth, and cellular repair. It
begins with ingestion through the mouth and ends with defecation or excretion.

Digestion takes place in the

gastrointestinal tract in two main
forms: mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical digestion is the physical
degradation of large food particles into
smaller pieces that digestive enzymes
can access through chemical
digestion.

Chemical digestion is the

enzymatic cleavage of proteins,
carbohydrates, and fats into tiny
amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids.

Once food enters the mouth, it

mixes with saliva and gets chewed
through the process of mastication.
Saliva is rich in mucus and salivary
enzymes such as amylase, which
helps break down carbohydrates. And
together, with the effects of
mastication, it creates a mass called a
food bolus. The food bolus then travels
down the esophagus via wave-like
muscular contractions, called
https://cutt.ly/yjihLsa
peristalsis, before it reaches the
stomach.

At certain instances, you hear your stomach rumbling. This is the sound
you hear as the gastric juices are churned in an empty stomach. This indicates
that you are already hungry, and it is time for you to eat. The stomach and some
glands start to produce gastric juices to prepare your stomach for the food you
will eat. These gastric juices provide an acidic environment in the stomach.

5
 Enzymes Where digestion happens
Amylase catalyzes the breakdown of starch into maltose in the
mouth and small intestine
Protease, Pepsin catalyze the breakdown of proteins into amino acids
in the stomach and small intestine
Lipase catalyzes the breakdown of fats and oils into fatty
acids and glycerol in the small intestine
Maltase catalyzes the breakdown of maltose into glucose in the
small intestine

The pancreas is located below the stomach. It secretes a mix of enzymes

that together are called pancreatic juice, which helps neutralize the very acidic
chyme when it enters the small intestine. Pancreatic juice also allows us to digest
proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

The liver digests food by producing bile to break down fats, removing toxins,
and breaking down and storing some vitamins and minerals. The gall bladder
stores the bile that is produced by the liver. When needed, bile passes into the
small intestine, where it breaks down fat.

Digestion ends in the small intestine, where

nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine's villi, tiny
finger-like processes. Villi contain capillary beds, as well
as lymphatic vessels called lacteals. Fatty acids absorbed
from broken-down chyme passes into the lacteals.
Capillaries absorb glucose, fructose, and galactose,
transported to all cells of the body.

As they passed through the alimentary canal (gut),

digested and undigested foods have different outcomes
https://cutt.ly/7jihYVQ
Assimilation is the movement of digested food
molecules into the cells of the body where they are used. For
example:
• glucose is used in the process of respiration to provide energy
• amino acids are used to build new proteins

Wastes that remain after digestion go to the large intestine, where water is
also reabsorbed. These wastes, including the water that was not reabsorbed, are
temporarily stored in the rectum before they are excreted out of the body through
the anus. Egestion or excretion happens when these feces pass out of the body
through the anus.

6
 What’s More
Read and Learn More!

Different organs in the digestive system work together to make

digestion possible. If any of these organs are not in good condition, the
whole system cannot function properly.
Taking the best care of the digestive system can support the
prevention of ailments. Peptic ulcer, constipation, and other ailments
could be avoided if the digestive system is healthy. That is why
practicing health habits is essential to enable your digestive system to
work well. However, many people have habits that, sometimes not
known to them, can cause digestive system illnesses.
"An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure." Therefore, you
need to learn about some common ailments that may affect parts of
your digestive system and how they can be prevented. Some common
ailments of the digestive system are in the chart below.

AILMENTS DESCRIPTION CAUSE PREVENTION TREATMENT

Gastro- Frequent Muscle found at the Avoid alcohol and Medication or
esophageal episodes of acid end of the esophagus spicy, fatty, or acidic by surgery
Reflux (GERD) reflux does not close foods or beverages
properly, allows acid that trigger heartburn
from the stomach, or (a burning sensation
leaks into the in the chest)
esophagus.
Peptic Ulcer Open sore in Tissue eroded by too Avoid smoking, taking Medication
the stomach or much stomach acid, large quantities of tea,
duodenum acidic juices, smoking, coffee, alcohol, and
alcohol, and some some drugs
drugs
Constipation Difficulty in Not enough water Eat plenty of fruits Medication
moving vowel absorbed in the large and vegetables, drink
intestine plenty of water and
move your bowel
regularly
Colon Cancer Malignancy in Eating foods that are Eat plenty of fruits Surgery
the area of the low in fiber and high in and vegetables, drink Radiation
colon and fats and calories plenty of water and therapy or
rectum move your bowel Chemotherapy
regularly
Acute Gallstones in Collections of solid Avoid eating foods Gall bladder
cholecystitis the gall bladder. material predominantly with a high saturated removal
Severe, steady crystals of cholesterol fat content
pain in the in the gallbladder
upper abdomen

7
 The way the digestive system work has something to do with your health.
To keep it healthy and work smoothly, you need to know what you can do to take
care of your digestive system.

Learn to practice these habits:

▪ Have a balanced diet every day. The food that you eat should contain the
right amount of the different nutrients needed by the body. Nutrients are
chemical substances that you eat and drink to grow and become healthy.
These include vitamins and minerals, vegetables and fruits, meat and fish
products, cereals, and other carbohydrates.

▪ Eat regularly and observe the proper time for eating. When buying ready
to eat foods, be sure they come from covered containers. Bacteria or germs
and harmful insects easily contaminate uncovered foods.

▪ Chew the food slowly and well. Relax while eating your meals. Do not
swallow large chunks of food.

▪ Do not eat when you are angry, sad, or tense. The food you take in will not
be properly digested and may cause indigestion.

▪ Wash uncooked foods thoroughly before eating them.

▪ Drink about six to eight glasses of water a day. Lessen your intake of
sweets during snacks. Chocolates, cakes, and candies may destroy your
appetite.

▪ Take part in a cheerful and relaxing conversation. It will help stimulate

intestinal activity.

Q1. Why is it dangerous to skip the main meal? How does it affect the body?

Q2. How can we keep our digestive system healthy? What kind of food should we
eat and what should we avoid?

8
 What I Have Learned
17

Activity 4
Part A. Complete the Digestive System Worksheet
1. Complete the flow chart to show the digestive system.

large intestine rectum mouth small intestine

stomach esophagus

2. Order the stages of digestion from numbers 1 to 6.

a. ______
The food is mixed with gastric juices in the stomach.
b. ______
The feces are expelled through the rectum.
c. ______
In the mouth, the teeth crush the food, and it is mixed with saliva.
d. ______
In the small intestine, the food mixes with bile from the liver and
the nutrients and vitamins are absorbed.
e. ______ The food passes down the esophagus and into the stomach.
f. ______ The remains of the food are transformed into feces in the large
intestine.

3. Label with what form of digestion occurs in each part.

(Mechanical, Chemical, or Both)

https://cutt.ly/ljigphJ

9
Activity 4
Part B. Let’s label it!
Directions: Label the Digestive System with different parts found in 14
the Word Bank below. Write your answer in the box numbered 1 to
10. Label the different parts with the process/es that occur (ingestion,
digestion, absorption, and excretion). Write your answer in the box with letters
a to e. Choose the best answer that best describes every part of the
illustration.

1 a

5
3 b
6
4

7 8 d

10 e

https://cutt.ly/7jisY4X

▪ Anus - the opening at the end of the digestive system from which feces (poo) leaves the body
▪ Esophagus - the long tube between the mouth and the stomach
▪ Gall bladder - a small sac below the liver which stores and releases bile into the small intestine
▪ Large intestine - the shorter, wider tube that follows the small intestine
▪ Liver - a large organ that makes bile that neutralizes stomach acid.
▪ Mouth - the first part of the digestive system, where food enters the body
▪ Pancreas – a gland below the stomach that makes lots of chemicals called enzymes that help
break down food.
▪ Rectum - the lower part of the large intestine, where feces (poo) is stored before it leaves the
body
▪ Small intestine - the long, thin winding tube that food goes through after it leaves the
stomach
▪ Stomach - a sack-like, muscular organ that is attached to the esophagus. When food enters
10
the stomach, it is churned with lots of acids.
Activity 5: Complete the Digestive System Worksheet
10

https://cutt.ly/ljisnlC

Use the words in the box to complete the spaces in the text.

The stomach contains acid called

fats
juices. Muscles contract to mix food with this acid.
bile This makes a thick liquid called .
nutrients
Chyme from the stomach passes into the small
chyme
. Here, the chyme mixes with a
large liquid from the liver called and pancreatic
blood juices from the pancreas. These liquids break the
gastric chyme into : proteins,
carbohydrates, , vitamins and
waste minerals can now pass through the wall of the small
anus intestine and into the .
intestine
Any food left in the small intestine is now .
This material passes into the
intestine where any extra water is absorbed into the
blood. Dry waste passes into the rectum and waits to
leave the body through the .

▪ An adult’s digestive system is approximately 9 meters long.

▪ Food usually takes between 24 and 72 hours to pass from
your mouth to the toilet.
▪ Your small intestine begins digesting your food about 30
minutes after eating.

11
 What I Can Do
Activity 6: My Eating Habit

Adolescence is characterized by several major changes and development

in the body. To reach its full potential, the body needs the right kind and
amount of nutrients through healthy eating habits.

A. Fibers in cereals, fruits, and vegetables clean the intestines. They

help prevent constipation.
Write the fiber foods that you eat in one day. Fill in the table below.

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

B. Eat your meals regularly. Eating on time helps prevent hyperacidity

and indigestion.

Write the time you eat your meals each day. Fill in the table below.

DAYS BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

12
 Assessment
10
Directions: Encircle the letter of the best answer.
1. Which of the following sequences correctly traces the passage of food through
the human digestive tract?
A. Esophagus, pharynx, stomach, large intestines, large intestine
B. Esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, pharynx
C. Pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines
D. Pharynx, stomach, esophagus, small intestines, large intestines

2. Which of the following refers to the process wherein large food molecules are
broken down into soluble and diffusible molecules that can be absorbed into
the body cells?
A. Absorption B. Assimilation C. Digestion D. Ingestion

3. What do you call the wave-like contraction that transports food along the
digestive tract?
A. Absorption B. Peristalsis C. Swallowing D. Vomiting

4. Final and complete digestion happens in the .

A. Large intestine B. Rectum C. Small intestine D. Stomach

5. The enzyme in the saliva that helps digest food is called .

A. Amylase B. Lipase C. Pepsin D. Starch

6. Saliva does the following EXCEPT .

A. Aids in swallowing C. Produces bile
B. Partially digest starch D. Softens food

7. A muscular sac located on the posterior surface of the liver that stores and
concentrates bile.
A. Epiglottis B. Gall bladder C. Liver D. Pancreas

8. What do you call the tiny finger-like processes of the small intestine that serve in
the absorption of nutrients?
A. Epiglottis B. Gall bladder C. Pancreas D. Villi

9. What is the major function of the large intestine?

A. Breakdown of fats C. Ingestion
B. Defecation D. Water reabsorption

10. Which of the following is NOT an accessory organ of the digestive system?
A. Liver B. Pancreas C. Pharynx D. Salivary glands

13
 Additional Activity
20

Activity 6: Let’s add more!

Direction: Make an eye-catching poster that will show at least three healthful
practices that will maintain the normal functioning of your digestive system.
Use short bond paper for your output.

Standards: Your output/product will be assessed based on the following

criteria:
1. Accuracy of content
2. Organization of idea
3. Clarity of message
4. Creativity

14
 15
What’s In What’s New
1. Mouth (Answers may vary)
2. Esophagus Act2 Part A
3. Peristalsis 1. Breaking the candy into smaller pieces
4. Stomach increases the rate of the food's
5. Principal organ dissolution and chemical digestion.
6. Small intestine 2. Crushing the candy represents the
7. Large intestine chewing of food -- a form of mechanical
8. Water reabsorption or physical digestion of food.
9. Anus Part B
10. Exit of solid waste 1. Mouth (teeth, tongue, saliva)
11. Digestive disorders 2. The soda cracker is mechanically and
12. Ulcer chemically digested.
What’s More What I Have Learned
(Answers may vary) Act4 Part A
Q1. Skipping main meals 1. Mouth – esophagus – stomach - small intestine – large intestine
can cause your metabolism – rectum Act4 Part B
to slow down, which can 2. a. 3 1. Mouth a. ingestion
cause weight gain or make
b. 6 2. Esophagus
it harder to lose weight. It
c. 1 3. Stomach b. digestion
can also lead to digestives
d. 4 4. Pancreas
disorders or diseases.
5. Liver
e. 2
6. Gall bladder
Q2. Eat regularly healthy f. 5
foods such as high-fiber 7. Small intestine c. digestion, absorption
3. 1. both
foods and drink 6 to 8 8. Large intestine d. absorption
2. both
glasses of water daily. 9. Rectum
3. both
4. mechanical 10. Anus e. excretion
What I Have Learned Assessment
Act 5 1. C
1. gastric juice 2. C
2. chyme 3. B
3. intestine
4. C
4. bile
5. A
5. nutrients
6. C
6. fats
7. blood 7. B
8. waste 8. D
9. large 9. D
10. anus 10. C
What I Can Do
(Answers may vary)
Answer Key Grade 8 Q4 W1 Science
 References
Books:
Campo, Pia C., May R. Chavez, Maria Helen D. H. Catalan, Leticia V. Catris, Marlene B.
Ferido, Ian Kendrich C. Fontanilla, Jacqeline Rose M. Gutierrez, Shirley R. Jusayan,
Michael Anthony B. Mantala, Cerilina M. Maramag, Marie Paz E. Morales, Eligio C.
Obille, Jr., Digna Paningbatan, Genevieve Faye Pasamonte, Ma. Dulcelina O.
Sebastian, Rolando M. Tan, and Rodolfo S. Treyes. "Unit 4 Module 3 The Digestive
System." In Science - Grade 8 Learner's Module, First Edition, 291-305. Pasig City,
Philippines: Department of Education, 2013.
Madriaga, Estrellita A., Meliza P. Valdoz, Marites D. Aquino, Mary Anne B. Castillo, and
Gil Nonato C. Santos. "Unit 12 Structure and Functions: Digestive System." In
Science Links 8 Worktext for Scientific and Technological Literacy, 314-336. Manila,
Philippines: Rex Book Store, Inc., 2015.
Pavico, Josefina Ma. F., Anna Cherylle M. Ramos, Aristea V. Bayquen, Angelina A. Silverio,
and John Donnie A. Ramos. "Chapter 12 Food Trip." In Exploring Life Through
Science Series The New Grade 8, Second Edition. 245-263. Quezon City, Philippines:
Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., 2017.
Electronic Resources:
Rmr09. (n.d.). Label the digestive system. Retrieved December 30, 2020, from
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/label-the-digestive-system-6109934
Digestive system gap fill worksheet. (n.d.). Retrieved December 30, 2020, from
https://www.liveworksheets.com/md31237tv
Keeping the Digestive System Healthy. (2011, March 22). Retrieved December 30, 2020,
from https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/16

Development Team Region IX Hymn

OUR EDEN LAND
Writer: NEIL FE M. CAMPOS Here the trees and Golden beams of
Teacher 3 flowers bloom, sunrise and sunset,
Zamboanga del Sur NHS Here the breezes Are visions you’ll never
Editor: LEE G. BARAQUIA, Ed.D. gently blow, forget.
Master Teacher 1 Here the birds sing Oh! That’s Region IX...
Zamboanga del Sur NHS merrily,
Reviewer: MILA P. ARAO And liberty forever Hardworking people
EPS - Science stays, abound,
Every valley and dale
Management Team: Here the Badjaos Zamboangenos,
swam the seas, Tagalogs, Bicolanos,
DANNY B. CORDOVA, Ed.D., CESO VI Here the Samals live in Cebuanos, Ilocanos,
Schools Division Superintendent peace, Subanens, Boholanos,
Here the Tausogs Illongos,
MARIA COLLEEN L. EMORICHA, Ed.D, CESE All of them are proud
thrive so free,
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
With the Yakans in and true
MARIA DIOSA Z. PERALTA unity. Region IX our Eden
CID Chief Land.
Gallant men And
MA. MADELENE P. MITUDA, Ed.D. Ladies fair,
Education Program Supervisor – LRMDS Linger with love and Region IX, our Eden
care, Land.
MILA P. ARAO
Education Program Supervisor - Science

16