Metabolic Disease: Unit 2

How does your body use food?

This unit explores in more detail the processes by which the nutrients in food become available, and how the body uses them. We will begin with digestion and absorption, and then use biochemistry to understand how the body shuttles energy and nutrients into and out of storage. A major emphasis of this unit is the concept of homeostasis with respect to blood glucose levels. We will see that the body is in a constant quest to make sure that glucose is available, and at adequate levels. We will explore the pathways the body can use to maintain homeostasis of glucose and we will understand the impacts fasting and feasting have on weight loss and weight gain.

Lesson 1

Digestion – From the mouth to the bloodstream

In this lesson we will review and expand on student knowledge of digestion and absorption. The main objective is for students to be able to describe process of digestion in each of the main organs, including select digestive enzymes. They should also be able to compare and contrast digestion and absorption of carbohydrate, fat, and protein rich foods. We also use examples of common digestive problems to illustrate structure-function.

Objectives – Describe mechanical and chemical breakdown of food.
– Describe the digestion and absorption of macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins).
– Gain some initial familiarity with the metabolism ring diagram.
Activities Video summary of the journey through the digestive system.
Materials Printed Materials:
– In-class worksheet
– HW worksheet
Homework Complete a chart that summarizes the major organs and enzymes involved in digest-ing a peanut butter sandwich.

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5

Lesson 6

Teacher Prep: Unit 2 Lesson Overview Videos

In the YouTube embed below, click the order listing in the upper right to toggle the display for the full playlist.