Absorption and transport of nutrients in humans
I can describe how the digestive system and circulatory system work together to absorb nutrients and transport them around the body.
Absorption and transport of nutrients in humans
I can describe how the digestive system and circulatory system work together to absorb nutrients and transport them around the body.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Carbohydrates, proteins and fats in food are broken down by digestion into smaller molecules that can be absorbed.
- Nutrients are absorbed into the blood, which transports them around the body to where they are needed by cells.
- The molecules of some nutrients are small enough to be absorbed into the blood by diffusion.
- Adaptations of the small intestine lining that increase the amount of absorption.
Keywords
Blood - Blood is a liquid which transports nutrients and waste around the body.
Absorption - Absorption is the process of moving nutrients from the digestive system into the blood.
Surface area - Surface area is the area of a surface.
Diffusion - Diffusion is the net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Circulatory system - The circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels through which blood can move.
Common misconception
That the blood and circulatory system are synonyms.
Blood and circulatory system are key words and introduced as specific concepts.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Absorption and transport of nutrients in humans, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Absorption and transport of nutrients in humans, 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.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Human digestive system unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Pumps blood around the body.
Breaks down food.
Senses the environment.
Gaseous exchange.
Fixed particles that are touching.
Moving particles in an irregular arrangement.
Moving particles with lots of space between them.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
large food molecules into small, soluble nutrients.
a concentration gradient into the blood.
cells for energy, growth and repair.