ACTIVITY 4: How do enzymes affect digestion?

I. Objectives:
After performing this activity, the students should be able to:
1. explain how enzymes affect digestion; and
2. infer chemical changes in food as it undergoes chemical digestion.

II. Introduction:
Enzymes play a crucial role in digestion by breaking down large
food molecules into smaller, absorbable forms. In this experiment, we
will investigate how enzymes affect proteins using gelatin as a model.
Fresh pineapple juice contains bromelain, and papaya extract
contains papain—both are enzymes that help break down proteins.
By comparing their effects on gelatin solidification, we can observe
how enzymes contribute to chemical digestion in the human body and
understand their importance in nutrient absorption.
III. Materials Needed:
▪ A bar of gelatin or 1 ▪ 100 mL graduated
tablespoonful of granulated cylinder gelatin
▪ 10 mL fresh pineapple juice ▪ 10 mL graduated
▪ 10 mL papaya extract cylinder
▪ water ▪ 3 droppers
▪ measuring cup ▪ 3 test tubes
▪ spoon ▪ test tube rack
▪ markers
IV. Procedure:
1. Number and label the test tubes (1 water, 2 fresh pineapple
juice, and 3 papaya extract).
2. Prepare a bar or one tablespoonful of granulated gelatin in the
measuring cup using 100 mL of boiling water.
3. Stir well with a spoon until the gelatin is dissolved.
4. Place 3 mL of water into test tube 1, 3 mL of fresh pineapple
juice into test tube 2, and 3 mL of papaya leaf juice into test
tube 3.
5. Add 10 mL of gelatin mixture to each test tube. Shake well to
mix thoroughly.
6. Refrigerate the samples overnight.
7. On Day 2, check the contents of each test tube for solidification
of the contents. Record your observations.
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Understanding the Digestive System: Diseases, Prevention,

Detection, and Treatment
Grade Level: 8th Grade
V. Guide Questions: Subject: Science
1. What do you observe immediately after adding the gelatin Duration: 2 class periods (90 minutes each)
mixture to each test tube? Lesson Objectives:
________________________________________________________________  Students will understand common diseases of the digestive
________________________________________________________________ system.
__________________________________________  Students will learn how these diseases are prevented, detected,
__ ____ ____ and treated.
2. What are enzymes, and what role do they play in digestion?  Students will analyze case studies and collaborate to propose
________________________________________________________________ prevention and treatment strategies.
________________________________________________________________ 5E Model Components:
__________________________________________ Engage (15 minutes)
______ ____  Begin with a brief video that introduces the digestive system
3. What does the result in the water test tube indicate? and highlights a few common diseases (e.g., GERD, Crohn's
________________________________________________________________ disease, and celiac disease).
________________________________________________________________  After the video, ask students to share any prior knowledge or
__________________________________________ personal experiences related to digestive health.
______ ____  Pose a question: "How can we keep our digestive system
4. How do the results in the fresh pineapple juice and bromeliad healthy?" and encourage discussion.
leaf juice test tubes compare to the water test tube? Explore (30 minutes)
________________________________________________________________  Divide students into small groups and provide each group with
________________________________________________________________ a set of case studies related to different digestive diseases.
__________________________________________ Each case study should cover:
______ ____ o Symptoms
5. How does this experiment relate to how enzymes work in the o Potential causes
human digestive system? o Current treatments
________________________________________________________________  Students will read through their assigned case studies and
________________________________________________________________ identify key points.
__________________________________________  Groups will create a visual aid (poster or digital presentation)
______ ____ summarizing their findings to share with the class.
Explain (20 minutes)
VI. Conclusion
  Each group presents their findings to the class, explaining the  Activity: Show a short video clip (3-5 minutes) illustrating the
disease, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. digestive process, highlighting how food is broken down by
 As groups present, the teacher will facilitate a discussion, enzymes. Follow this with a class discussion. Prompt students
highlighting the importance of prevention and the role of with questions such as:
healthcare in detecting illnesses. o What do you think enzymes do in our bodies?
 Introduce relevant vocabulary (e.g., endoscopy, biopsy, diet o Why are enzymes important for digestion?
modification) and explain these terms in context. Explore
Elaborate (20 minutes)  Objective: Allow students to explore the functions of different
 Have students brainstorm and research preventive measures enzymes involved in digestion.
for digestive diseases. Possible areas of focus can include:  Activity: Divide students into small groups. Provide each group
o Nutrition and diet with a different type of enzyme (e.g., amylase, protease, lipase)
o Exercise and materials to research:
o Regular check-ups o What does the enzyme break down?
 Students will create a brochure or infographic that outlines o Where is it found in the body?
these prevention strategies, targeting their peers. o How does it work?
Evaluate (5 minutes)  Materials Needed: Access to textbooks, internet-enabled
 Conduct a quick formative assessment through an exit ticket devices, and graphic organizers for note-taking.
where students write down one new thing they learned about Explain
the digestive system and one question they still have.  Objective: Explain how enzymes function and their importance
Aligned Standards: in digestion.
 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) MS-LS1-3:  Activity: Groups present their findings to the class. After
Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a presentations, the teacher will provide a brief lecture on:
whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function. o The structure of enzymes and the enzyme-substrate
 Health Education Standards: Understand how to prevent complex.
and control disease, including the importance of nutrition and o The role of enzymes in breaking down macromolecules
physical activity. (carbohydrates, proteins, fats).
This lesson plan provides a comprehensive approach for 8th-grade o Factors affecting enzyme activity (temperature, pH,
students to deepen their understanding of the digestive system and concentration).
related diseases while engaging in collaborative learning and critical  Visual Aids: Use diagrams and models to illustrate enzyme
thinking. action and digestion.
Elaborate
 Objective: Deepen understanding through real-world
applications.
The Role of Enzymes in Digestion  Activity: Conduct a hands-on experiment to observe enzyme
Grade Level: 8th Grade activity.
Engage o Experiment: Use pineapple juice (contains bromelain, a
 Objective: Introduce the topic of enzymes and their role in protease) to tenderize meat. Have students hypothesize
digestion. the outcome, conduct the experiment, and then observe
how the meat changes texture.
  Discussion: Discuss how enzymes are used in food processing
and their significance in health.
Evaluate
 Objective: Assess students' understanding of enzymes and
their role in digestion.
 Assessment:
o Students will complete a quiz covering key concepts
about enzymes and digestion.
o Assign a reflection essay where students explain how
enzymes function in digestion and why they are vital for
our health, using examples from their research and
experiments.
Aligned Standards:
 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) MS-LS1-3:
Develop and use a model to describe how the structure of the
cells and the function of the systems of the body are related.
 Common Core State Standards (CCSS) ELA-
Literacy.W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to
examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information
through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant
content.