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Super-Absorbing Intestine: Where Do Nutrients Go After Digestion?
Grade 9Science1 days
In this project, students create a model of the small intestine to demonstrate its structure and function in nutrient absorption. They investigate the roles of circular folds, villi, and the intestinal wall in maximizing surface area and facilitating nutrient transport. Students trace the pathways of glucose, amino acids, and lipids from the intestinal lumen to the blood capillaries and lymphatic vessels, and analyze data showing nutrient levels before and after absorption. They communicate their understanding to a non-expert audience through models and explanations.Small IntestineNutrient AbsorptionVilliDigestionLipidGlucoseAmino Acids
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we model the super-absorbing small intestine to show how its structure enables efficient nutrient absorption and transport into the bloodstream and lymphatic system?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the main structural components of the small intestine (circular folds, villi, intestinal cells, blood capillaries, and lymphatic vessels) and how do they contribute to its function?
- How does the structure of the small intestine maximize its surface area for absorption, and why is this important?
- What is the role of the thin intestinal wall in nutrient absorption?
- What are the specific pathways for glucose and amino acids from the intestinal lumen to the blood capillaries?
- What is the specific pathway for lipids from the intestinal lumen to the lymphatic vessels?
- How can we design a model that effectively demonstrates the structure of the villi and the absorption routes of different nutrients?
- How does the amount of nutrients in the blood change after absorption, and what evidence supports this?
- How can we effectively communicate the complex process of nutrient absorption in the small intestine to a non-expert audience?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Identify the structures of the small intestine: circular folds, villi, intestinal cells, blood capillaries and lymphatic vessels.
- Explain how ridges and villi greatly increase the surface area of the small intestine and why this favors absorption.
- Describe the thin intestinal wall and its role as a surface of exchange between nutrients and vessels.
- Trace the pathway of glucose and amino acids from intestinal lumen to villus cells to blood capillaries.
- Trace the pathway of lipids from intestinal lumen to villus cells to lymphatic vessels.
- Interpret simple data to conclude that nutrient quantities in the blood increase after absorption.
- Design and construct a clear model or digital product that accurately represents villi structure and the routes of absorption.
- Communicate their explanation orally and in writing to a non-expert audience.
- Work collaboratively, share tasks and respect deadlines during the project.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Perilous Journey of a Pizza Slice
A microscopic adventure! Students shrink down to the size of a nutrient and journey through the digestive system, facing challenges like acid baths and enzymatic breakdowns. Reaching the small intestine, they must navigate the villi landscape, choosing the correct absorption pathway (bloodstream or lymphatic system) based on their nutrient type. Success means nourishing the body; failure means…well, let's just say it's a waste product!Remixing the Small Intestine: A Musical Analogy
Challenge students to create a song, rap, or spoken-word piece that explains the structure and function of the small intestine. They can use metaphors, analogies, and even sound effects to represent the different components (villi as dancers, enzymes as DJs, etc.) and the absorption process. This encourages creative expression and deeper understanding through a unique medium.The Case of the Mysterious Malabsorption
A patient presents with unexplained nutrient deficiencies despite a seemingly healthy diet. Students act as medical detectives, investigating potential malfunctions in the small intestine's structure or function. They analyze biopsies, interpret lab results, and construct a model of the affected area to diagnose the condition and propose treatment options, emphasizing the link between structure and function.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Small Intestine Structure Unveiled
Students will begin by identifying and describing the key structural components of the small intestine. This activity focuses on understanding the physical attributes and arrangement of these components.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research and identify the following structures of the small intestine: circular folds, villi, intestinal cells, blood capillaries, and lymphatic vessels.
2. Create labeled diagrams or sketches of each structure, noting their relative sizes and locations within the small intestine.
3. Write a brief description of each structure, explaining its physical characteristics.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of labeled diagrams/sketches and written descriptions of the small intestine's structural components.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Identify the structures of the small intestine: circular folds, villi, intestinal cells, blood capillaries and lymphatic vessels.Activity 2
Surface Area Showdown: Maximizing Absorption
This activity focuses on understanding how the unique structure of the small intestine maximizes surface area for absorption. Students will calculate and compare surface areas to understand the importance of ridges and villi.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research how ridges (circular folds) and villi increase the surface area of the small intestine.
2. Create a scale model or mathematical representation demonstrating the surface area increase due to circular folds and villi. Include calculations to quantify the difference.
3. Write an explanation of why increased surface area is crucial for efficient nutrient absorption.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA scale model or mathematical representation with calculations, and a written explanation of the relationship between surface area and nutrient absorption.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Explain how ridges and villi greatly increase the surface area of the small intestine and why this favors absorption.Activity 3
The Thin Wall's Tale: Exchange Experts
Students investigate the structure of the intestinal wall and its role in nutrient exchange. This activity emphasizes the importance of a thin barrier for efficient absorption.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research the cellular structure of the intestinal wall, focusing on its thinness and permeability.
2. Create a diagram illustrating the layers of the intestinal wall, highlighting the cells involved in nutrient transport.
3. Write a paragraph explaining how the thinness of the intestinal wall facilitates the exchange of nutrients between the intestinal lumen and the blood/lymph vessels.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed diagram of the intestinal wall and a written explanation of its role in nutrient exchange.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Describe the thin intestinal wall and its role as a surface of exchange between nutrients and vessels.Activity 4
Nutrient Navigation: Glucose and Amino Acid Pathways
Students will trace the specific pathways of glucose and amino acids from the intestinal lumen to the blood capillaries. This activity reinforces understanding of selective absorption.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research the pathway of glucose and amino acids from the intestinal lumen, through villus cells, to the blood capillaries.
2. Create a flowchart or animated sequence illustrating the pathway of glucose and amino acids. Be sure to include all the key structures they pass through.
3. Write a detailed description of each step in the pathway, explaining the mechanisms of transport.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA flowchart or animation illustrating the glucose/amino acid pathway, accompanied by a written description of each step.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Trace the pathway of glucose and amino acids from intestinal lumen to villus cells to blood capillaries.Activity 5
Lipid's Lymphatic Voyage
Students will trace the pathway of lipids from the intestinal lumen to the lymphatic vessels. This activity contrasts the absorption of lipids with that of glucose and amino acids.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research the pathway of lipids from the intestinal lumen, through villus cells, to the lymphatic vessels (lacteals).
2. Create a flowchart or animated sequence illustrating the pathway of lipids. Highlight the differences compared to glucose/amino acid absorption.
3. Write a detailed description of each step in the lipid pathway, explaining why lipids are absorbed into the lymphatic system rather than directly into the bloodstream.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA flowchart or animation illustrating the lipid pathway, accompanied by a written description of each step and a comparison to glucose/amino acid absorption.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Trace the pathway of lipids from intestinal lumen to villus cells to lymphatic vessels.Activity 6
Data Dive: Nutrient Levels Before and After
Students will analyze data showing nutrient levels in the blood before and after a meal. This activity reinforces the concept that absorption leads to increased nutrient concentration in the bloodstream.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Obtain or create a simple table showing nutrient quantities (e.g., glucose, amino acids, lipids) in the blood before and after a meal.
2. Analyze the data to identify trends in nutrient levels after absorption.
3. Write a conclusion explaining how the data supports the idea that nutrient quantities in the blood increase after absorption in the small intestine.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA data analysis report with a clear conclusion about the effect of absorption on blood nutrient levels.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Interpret simple data to conclude that nutrient quantities in the blood increase after absorption.Activity 7
Super-Absorbing Intestine: Model Design Challenge
Students synthesize their knowledge to design and construct a model of the small intestine. This activity integrates all previous learning goals.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Based on prior activities, plan and design a 3D model, poster, short video, or animation that accurately represents the villi structure and the routes of absorption for glucose/amino acids and lipids.
2. Construct the model, ensuring it clearly shows the key structures and pathways.
3. Write a detailed explanation of the model, labeling all components and explaining the absorption process.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA physical or digital model of the small intestine with a detailed explanatory guide.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Design and construct a clear model or digital product that accurately represents villi structure and the routes of absorption.Activity 8
Small Intestine Explained: Teaching the Non-Expert
Students communicate their understanding of the small intestine to a non-expert audience. This activity develops communication skills and reinforces learning.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Prepare an oral presentation, written report, or video explaining the structure and function of the small intestine to a younger student, parent, or other non-expert audience.
2. Present the explanation, using clear and simple language. Visual aids are encouraged.
3. Reflect on the experience and identify areas where the explanation could be improved.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn oral presentation, written report, or video explaining the small intestine to a non-expert audience, along with a reflection on the communication process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Communicate their explanation orally and in writing to a non-expert audience.Activity 9
Collaboration Counts: Teamwork Evaluation
Students reflect on their collaborative work throughout the project. This activity encourages self-assessment and teamwork skills.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Reflect on your role and contributions to the team throughout the project.
2. Evaluate your team's performance, focusing on collaboration, task sharing, and meeting deadlines.
3. Write a brief self-assessment and team evaluation, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written self-assessment and team evaluation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Work collaboratively, share tasks and respect deadlines during the project.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioSuper-Absorbing Intestine: Model Design Challenge Rubric
Category 1
Accuracy of Model
This category assesses the accuracy of the model in representing the key structural components of the small intestine and their arrangement.Criterion 1
Structural Components
Accurately represents the key structures of the small intestine (circular folds, villi, intestinal cells, blood capillaries, and lymphatic vessels).
Exemplary
4 PointsThe model accurately and comprehensively represents all key structural components of the small intestine with precise detail and correct spatial relationships.
Proficient
3 PointsThe model accurately represents most key structural components of the small intestine with good detail and generally correct spatial relationships.
Developing
2 PointsThe model represents some key structural components of the small intestine, but may lack detail or have inaccuracies in spatial relationships.
Beginning
1 PointsThe model attempts to represent the structural components of the small intestine, but contains significant inaccuracies or omissions.
Criterion 2
Pathway Representation
Accurately depicts the absorption pathways of glucose/amino acids and lipids.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe model flawlessly and clearly depicts the distinct absorption pathways of glucose/amino acids and lipids, highlighting the differences with great precision.
Proficient
3 PointsThe model accurately depicts the absorption pathways of glucose/amino acids and lipids, with minor omissions or inaccuracies.
Developing
2 PointsThe model attempts to depict the absorption pathways, but contains some confusion or inaccuracies regarding the different routes.
Beginning
1 PointsThe model shows a limited understanding of nutrient pathways, with significant inaccuracies in depicting the routes of absorption.
Category 2
Clarity and Completeness of Explanation
This category evaluates the clarity and completeness of the written explanation accompanying the model.Criterion 1
Detailed Explanation
Provides a thorough explanation of the model, labeling all components and explaining the absorption process.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation is exceptionally thorough, clearly labeling all components and providing a detailed and insightful explanation of the absorption process, including mechanisms of transport.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation is thorough, labeling most components and providing a clear explanation of the absorption process.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation labels some components and provides a basic description of the absorption process, but may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation is incomplete and lacks clear labeling of components and a coherent description of the absorption process.
Criterion 2
Scientific Accuracy
Uses accurate scientific terminology and concepts.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the underlying scientific concepts and uses terminology accurately and effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation uses accurate scientific terminology and demonstrates a good understanding of the concepts.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation uses some scientific terminology, but may contain inaccuracies or a limited understanding of the concepts.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation demonstrates a limited understanding of the scientific concepts and contains inaccuracies in terminology.
Category 3
Design and Construction Quality
This category assesses the overall quality of the model's design and construction.Criterion 1
Craftsmanship
The model is well-constructed, visually appealing, and demonstrates attention to detail.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe model is exceptionally well-constructed, visually appealing, and demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, enhancing its clarity and impact.
Proficient
3 PointsThe model is well-constructed, visually appealing, and demonstrates good attention to detail.
Developing
2 PointsThe model is adequately constructed, but may lack visual appeal or attention to detail.
Beginning
1 PointsThe model is poorly constructed, lacks visual appeal, and demonstrates little attention to detail.
Criterion 2
Creativity and Innovation
The model demonstrates creativity and innovative approaches to representing the small intestine.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe model demonstrates exceptional creativity and innovation in representing the small intestine, providing unique insights and enhancing understanding. The approach is novel and imaginative, pushing beyond conventional representations.
Proficient
3 PointsThe model demonstrates creativity and innovative approaches to representing the small intestine. There's evidence of original thought and clever design choices.
Developing
2 PointsThe model shows some creativity, but may rely on conventional approaches. There are a few original elements, but the overall design is fairly standard.
Beginning
1 PointsThe model lacks creativity and relies heavily on basic or uninspired approaches. The design is unoriginal and does not offer new insights.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
Reflecting on the 'Super-Absorbing Intestine' project, if the small intestine could talk, what would it say about its role in the digestive system?
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Question 2
Imagine you are a nutrient (glucose, amino acid, or lipid) traveling through the small intestine. Describe your journey, including the challenges you face and how you are absorbed.
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Question 3
If you could redesign one aspect of the small intestine to improve nutrient absorption, what would it be and why?
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Question 4
Which analogy or metaphor best captures the function of the small intestine, and why? (e.g., a bustling marketplace, a selective filter, a carefully orchestrated dance)
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Question 5
If you were to create a superhero based on the small intestine, what would their powers and weaknesses be?
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Question 6
How has this project changed your perspective on the importance of a healthy diet and the role of the small intestine in maintaining overall health?
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