No Prep Sub Plans: Human Body Systems – Digestive System STEM Design Series

No Prep Sub Plans: Human Body Systems – Digestive System
Research + Project | Create a Labeled Infographic | Grades 5–8
Make teaching the digestive system simple, engaging, and meaningful with this print-and-go STEM lesson! Students explore how the body breaks down food and absorbs nutrients while creating a labeled infographic that clearly explains how the system works.
Students trace the path of food from start to finish, learning how each organ plays a role in digestion and how nutrients are delivered throughout the body.

What’s Included
- ✅ Teacher Directions (clear, structured, and easy to follow)
- ✅ Student Infographic Template (Color + Black & White versions)
- ✅ Mini Research Questions to guide student inquiry
- ✅ Curated website resources list (safe, student-friendly, no login required)
- ✅ Built-in checklists and structured sections for student success

What Students Will Do
- Research the structure and function of the digestive system
- Identify the main organs and trace the path of food through the body
- Explain the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion
- Explore how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine (villi)
- Understand the role of helper organs (liver, pancreas, gallbladder)
- Design a clear, labeled infographic
- Add a fun fact or surprising statistic
- Present and explain their learning

Skills & Learning Focus
- Scientific understanding of human body systems
- Research and information gathering
- Visual communication through infographic design
- Collaboration and presentation skills
- Making connections between body systems

Perfect For
- Sub plans (No Prep, Print & Go!)
- STEM or science units on human body systems
- Early finishers or enrichment
- Small group or whole-class activities
- Project-based learning (PBL)

Why Teachers Love It
- Clean, structured layout = easy for students to follow
- Includes guided research questions + ready-to-use websites
- Promotes deep understanding through creation
- Minimal prep, maximum engagement
- Consistent format across the Human Body Systems series

Series Note
This lesson is part of the STEM Design Series: Human Body Systems, where students explore each system through research + creative infographic design.