The functions of teeth
I can explain the simple functions of the different types of human teeth.
The functions of teeth
I can explain the simple functions of the different types of human teeth.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Teeth are part of the human digestive system.
- Different types of teeth have different functions, but work together to break down food to travel through the body.
- Incisors are sharp and flat, and are used to cut and bite food.
- Canines are sharp and more pointed, and are used to rip and tear food.
- Molars are wide and bumpy, and are used to chew and grind food.
Keywords
Digestive system - The digestive system is all the organs in the body that break down and digest food.
Functions - The tasks or jobs that a thing has are its functions.
Incisors - Incisors are teeth that are used to bite and cut food.
Canines - Canines are teeth that are used for tearing and ripping food.
Molars - Molars are teeth that are used for grinding up and chewing food.
Common misconception
Children may think that all teeth are the same and that they perform the same job to break down food in exactly the same way.
Eating a few different types of food (Task A) will help children to see for themselves which teeth they are using and what they are actually doing to break down food in different ways.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: The functions of teeth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: The functions of teeth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Introduction to the human digestive system unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Samples of food to try - soft bread or a banana, small apples, crusty bread (baguette). Access to everyday objects to represent different teeth.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
wide, flat but bumpy
sharp and pointed
sharp and flat
Exit quiz
6 Questions
