3/26: Digestion

What Goes In... Must Come Out!

Last time we focused on the strucutre and function of macromolecules (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates). Today we will be taking a closer look at the process of food moving through our body (digestion) and exiting as waste (outputs). The goal is to understand how our body is taking apart the foods we eat, and what nutrients exactly our cells are able to use from that food. This will help us next time as we start exploring the chemical reactions that take place in our cells!

Now that we better understand the atoms that are in the food we eat and the waste that leaves our body, we can add this information to our initial model on human inputs / uses / outputs. This is excellent preparation for the Unit Final!

Finally, we will continue watching "That Sugar Film" (click on this link to watch for free!), which is a documentary about an Australian man who increases the amount of sugar in his diet to see what happens to his health and wellbeing. As you watch, consider the foods you regularly eat each day and how they might be affecting your health. Are there any ways that 'sneaky sugar' may be creeping onto your plate?