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Make Learning Fun: Free Printable Digestive System Activity

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free printable digestive system activity. Also, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

Every once in a while, we love to add quick activity pages to our unit studies. Plus, learning the digestive system can feel abstract for kids.

And simple activities like dot to dot and word searches help children understand that the digestive system is a process with many parts.

Make Learning Fun: Free Printable Digestive System Activity

Another reason I love using printables at times is it allows kids to work independently while you help another child.

If you keep a science binder add my human body printables and your child can do them on the go.

And one of the best parts is the digestive system activity mats gives a basic introduction to the human body.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY

Next, look at some books and resources we loved during our unit study.

16 Human Body Books & Hands-on Resources

Add a few of these fun resources whether you do a couple of lesson plans about the human body or a unit study.

Also, look at this post Basic Steps in the Digestive System and a Fun Digestive System Craft for a fun craft to do.

Also, look at more human body activities.

MORE HUMAN BODY ACTIVITIES FOR HANDS-ON LEARNING

Make Learning Fun: Free Printable Digestive System Activity

Finally, look at how to grab the free printable activities for the digestive system.

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HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM ACTIVITIES

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1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

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Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

In this hands-on activity, kids will build a LEGO eye anatomy to explore its parts while strengthening creativity and spatial skills. Also, look at my page From Simple to Spectacular: Easy LEGO Ideas for Everyone.

Too, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

Learning about how our eyes work can be fascinating, especially when it involves LEGO bricks- It’s learning through play at its finest.

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

It’s the perfect mix of STEM and anatomy learning for curious young minds; however, before we delve into the build itself, I have a breakdown of each part of the eye that we will be covering to make it more than just playtime.

The human eye is an amazing creation, and each part of it has an important function.

Eyelashes are not just for beauty; they help protect your eyes.

Even the design of your eyebrows holds a purpose beyond expressing surprise or anger.

MORE EASY LEGO IDEAS

LEGO IDEAS FOR KIDS

Next, look at more LEGO builds for kids books.

Lego Ideas for Kids

Use one of these LEGO ideas in your homeschool. Besides, LEGO are great hands-on crafts to teach with.

Read through these eye facts with your child before or during the build to get the most out of this hands-on project.

LOOKING AT EYE ANATOMY

 IRIS

  • The iris is the colored part of your eye, made of tiny muscles that control the size of your pupil.
  • It helps your eyes adjust to bright or dim light, much like a camera lens adjusting its aperture, opening and closing.
  • No two irises are exactly alike; your iris pattern is unique to you, like a fingerprint.

PUPIL

  • The pupil is the black hole in the center of your eye.
  • It changes size depending on the light, becoming smaller in bright sunlight and larger in darkness.
  • Some animals, such as cats and goats, have differently shaped pupils that help them see better in their environments.

SCLERA

  • In some animals, the sclera isn’t white, like in sharks, where it’s dark to help camouflage their eyes.
  • The sclera is the white part of your eye that protects the inner parts and gives your eyeball its shape.
  • It’s made of tough tissue, similar to what’s in tendons and ligaments!
Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

EYELASH

  • Eyelashes are tiny hairs that help keep dust, dirt, and small particles out of your eyes.
  • When something gets too close, your eyelashes help trigger the blink reflex to protect your eyes.
  • They grow in a natural curve that helps direct sweat and moisture away from your eyes.

EYELID

  • The eyelid acts like a shield for your eyes—it keeps them moist and clean.
  • Every time you blink, your eyelid spreads a thin layer of tears across your eye’s surface.
  • Humans blink approximately 15–20 times per minute, which helps keep vision clear.

EYEBROW

  • Eyebrows help protect your eyes from sweat and rain, guiding moisture away from the eye area.
  • They also help us express emotions; you can tell a lot from raised or furrowed eyebrows.
  • In art and history, eyebrows have always played a big role in human expression and beauty.

TEAR DUCT

  • Your body makes three types of tears: basal (everyday moisture), reflex (from irritants like onions), and emotional (from feelings).
  • The tear duct is the tiny pink corner on the inside of your eye where tears drain.
  • Tears aren’t just for crying; they lubricate and clean the eye all the time.

EYE ANATOMY RESOURCES

The Way We Work is a fantastic resource to keep on hand for all things anatomy.

A couple of these large LEGO sets give you lots of options for building anatomy models like our eye. You can use them for LEGO building challenges, as math manipulatives, and so much more.

Older kids may enjoy learning even more about the eye, like the inside anatomy as we did in this 8 Eye Facts & Human Body Activities Middle School & Fun Eye Model project.

Watch The Human Eye for Kids from Homeschool Pop and learn more about the inner and outer workings of the eye.

Just for fun I think it would really be a hit to use gummy eye candy to introduce or end this unit!

LEGO EYE ANATOMY

You can absolutely get creative and make this eye anatomy any way you want but I am going to give you some loose directions to show you how to recreate the version we did here.

You will need:

  • A baseplate
  • White LEGO bricks
  • Brown Bricks bricks
  • Black LEGO bricks
  • Color LEGO bricks-brown, blue, green
  • Cardstock
  • Pen
Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Begin by building the black pupil in the center of your baseplate with a 2×4 back brick.

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Add a single flat dot brick if you like to represent the light reflection in the eye.

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Next, build around the pupil with whatever color eye you want to make using 1×4 bricks.

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Create the sclera by arranging white bricks around the color with various-sized bricks to equal 2 studs wide by 8 studs long on the top and bottom. 

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Put 2×4 on either side and ending with 1×2’s on each end to give it that almond shape.

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Build an “eyelid” and skin around the eye with 1 stud-wide bricks.

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Make eyelashes using 1×2 bricks and add an arched eyebrow using 1 stud-wide bricks.

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Finally, create labels for each part by writing them on cardstock and cutting them out.

Easy and Creative LEGO Eye Anatomy Activity for Curious Kids

Have your child label each part.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Grab an armful of pool noodles at the dollar tree and let’s craft a high school DNA model project that makes learning what could be a boring subject exciting (and a little silly). And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

Too, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

DNA may be tiny, but it holds the instructions for all living things. Learning about DNA structure can feel abstract when students only see it in diagrams.
 

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

That’s why building a hands-on, life-sized model makes such an impact. With just a few inexpensive supplies, you can create a giant double helix out of pool noodles.

This project is not only fun, but it also helps high schoolers visualize DNA’s shape, base pairs, and functions in a memorable way. And it’s a frugal project too.

By combining the model with other related labs and activities, you can create a full mini-unit on genetics that is engaging and memorable.

MORE HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOMESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT DNA

Also, look at these books which make DNA easy to understand.

Pair them with your high school teen’s biology curriculum for fun easy reads.

4 Books About DNA & Mendel - The Father of Genetics

He was a monk and scientist who studied genetics. He was first to trace characteristics of successive generations.

Next, look at these facts about DNA.

7 DNA FACTS FOR KIDS

  1. DNA Is the Recipe for Life- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries instructions that tell every living thing how to grow, look, and work.
  2. It’s Really, Really Long- If you stretched out all the DNA from just one of your cells, it would be about 2 meters long—but it’s packed so tightly you can’t see it without special tools.
  3. You Share DNA with Bananas- About 60% of human DNA is similar to bananas. That doesn’t mean we’re part banana—it just shows that all life shares some of the same building blocks.
  4. The DNA Alphabet Has Only 4 Letters- DNA is made of four bases: A, T, C, and G. These letters pair up to form the genetic “alphabet” that builds proteins.
  5. No Two People Are the Same- Except for identical twins, everyone’s DNA is unique. That’s why DNA is often used in detective work and ancestry research.
  6. You Have Lots of DNA- Your body has about 37 trillion cells, and almost every one has a full set of DNA instructions.
  7. It Has A Double Helix Shape- DNA looks like a twisted ladder, called a double helix. The “rungs” are the paired bases, and the sides are made of sugar and phosphate molecules.
Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Next, look at more ideas.

MORE HIGH SCHOOL DNA MODEL PROJECT IDEAS & RESOURCES

  • Candy DNA Model– Use licorice (backbone), marshmallows/gumdrops (bases), and toothpicks (bonds) to make edible DNA. While I aimed this at the younger kids, I have no doubt high schoolers would love this version as well.
  • Beaded DNA Model- Everything you need is included to build a little beaded DNA model, perfect for an independent high school project.
  • What is DNA?- A video is a great way to break up book work and teach your student about the basics of DNA.
  • DNA Extraction Lab– Extract real DNA from strawberries or bananas using soap, salt, and rubbing alcohol.
  • Variation- A DNA Matching Card Game– Learn base matching and sequencing through a fun game.

HIGH SCHOOL DNA MODEL PROJECT

Building a giant DNA strand with pool noodles turns a complex topic into a fun, hands-on learning experience.

Your student not only gets to be creative but also deepens their understanding of base pairing, structure, and function of DNA.

You will need:

  • 6 pool noodles in different colors, 2 of one and 4 different colors.
  • Hot Glue gun/glue sticks
  • Scissors or a craft knife
  • skewers
  • Markers
  • Notecards
Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Choose two pool noodles of the same color (example: pink) to represent the sugar-phosphate backbones of the DNA.

These noodles will run parallel to each other like the sides of a ladder.

Cut 20–25 short sections 4 inches each from pool noodles in four different colors to make the base pairs.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Assign a color to each base:

  • Green = Adenine (A)
  • Yellow = Thymine (T)
  • Red = Cytosine (C)

Orange = Guanine (G)

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Make labels with cardstock or notecards.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Pair up the Bases:

DNA MODEL PROJECT

  • A always pairs with T
  • C always pairs with G

Poke skewers into one pool noodle along the length, spacing evenly, do not push all the way through.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Add hot glue carefully around each skewer to help them stay in place. Be careful not to touch the hot metal tip to the pool noodle, or it will quickly melt it.

Allow to harden for a few minutes and add more to secure it if you feel like it needs it.

Attach base pairs on each skewer, matching up the correct pairs.

You want to make sure you have at least 2” to press into the other pool noodle to attach; if not, trim down your pairs.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Start at one end and press the open end of the skewer into the end of the pool noodle and work your way down.

Apply a generous amount of hot glue to each skewer where it presses into the pool noodle. Set aside to cool and harden for a few minutes.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Carefully twist the ladder shape to form the classic double helix.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

 Label the Model, use markers and index cards to label:

  • Backbone = sugar-phosphate
  • Bases = A, T, C, G
  • Base-pairing rules
Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Encourage your high schooler to explain the model to you as if teaching a younger sibling who knew nothing about DNA.

Mutations Activity- Change one base in the noodle DNA model (e.g., swap an A–T pair for G–C).

Discuss how a small change can lead to a different protein and possibly a genetic disorder.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re doing some fun anatomy activities for high school, including an easy skin layer model that will have your teen digging below the surface ( of skin that is). And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

Also, look at my Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study and Human Body Crafts for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning for more fun ideas.

Anatomy may include memorizing long vocabulary lists and labeling diagrams, but it can also be a lot more fun than that.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

In fact, when high school students get hands-on with the human body’s structures and functions, they not only remember the details better, but they also enjoy the process of learning.

Besides, high school students learn best when they’re actively involved.

Anatomy is a subject filled with detail like layers, systems, and complex interactions.

MORE HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOMESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE

HUMAN BODY GAMES

Next, look at some resources for high school.

12 Human Body Games for Middle & High School Students

Middle and high school kids need a break from reading and playing games to learn science is the perfect supplement and break.

Next, look at each of the 3 skins layers. You learn what they are made up of, and what their function is.

SKIN LAYERS 101

THE EPIDERMIS

The epidermis is the thinnest layer of the skin, but it’s packed with important functions.

It is made up of stratified squamous epithelial cells arranged in several sub-layers.

The most important is the stratum basale (where new skin cells are produced). The stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum (where cells begin to harden), and the stratum corneum (the tough outer layer of dead cells that eventually flake off).

This constant cycle of cell turnover takes about 28 days in healthy skin.

The epidermis is also home to melanocytes, cells that produce melanin to protect against UV radiation, and Langerhans cells, which are part of the immune system and help defend against pathogens.

Even though the epidermis has no blood vessels, it gets oxygen and nutrients via diffusion from the dermis below.

THE DERMIS

Beneath the epidermis lies the thicker dermis. It is divided into two regions. There is the papillary dermis (upper layer) and the reticular dermis (deeper layer).

The papillary dermis contains small blood vessels and capillaries that feed the epidermis, as well as nerve endings that sense touch, pain, and temperature.

This layer also forms dermal papillae — tiny ridges that create fingerprints. The reticular dermis is made of dense connective tissue that provides skin with strength and elasticity.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

It contains larger blood vessels, sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine), sebaceous (oil) glands, hair follicles, lymphatic vessels, and the deeper nerve receptors. Collagen and elastin fibers in this layer allow the skin to stretch and return to shape, which is why the dermis plays a key role in wound healing.

THE HYPODERMIS

The hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, lies beneath the dermis and anchors the skin to underlying muscles and bones. It is made mostly of adipose (fat) tissue and loose connective tissue.

The fat in the hypodermis serves as insulation to regulate body temperature, energy storage for metabolism, and shock absorption to protect vital organs.

This layer is also rich in larger blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, which connect the skin to the rest of the body’s circulatory and immune systems.

Because of its fat content, the hypodermis thickness can vary greatly between individuals and different areas of the body.

Now, here are some fun and educational anatomy activities for high school students

MORE FUN ANATOMY ACTIVITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL

Next, here is a step-by-step project for making a skin layer model out of craft felt as a highlight.

HOW TO MAKE AN EASY SKIN LAYER MODEL

One of the most fascinating anatomy topics is the body’s largest organ: the skin. The skin protects, regulates, and senses the world around us.

This project helps students understand the three main skin layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) as well as their structures, like glands, follicles, and nerves.

You will need:

  • Craft felt in various colors
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun or fabric glue
  • Cardboard base for stability
  • Cardstock or 3×5 for labeling
Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

First, start by cutting a cardboard base the size you would like your model.

Cut 3 different colors of felt the same size as the cardboard base for each of the 3 layers, we chose yellow, pink, and tan.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Use the yellow felt section for the hypodermis, which provides insulation and energy storage.

You can cut 2 or 3 to stack and make it thicker if you like to more closely emulate the thickness of this layer compared to others, and then hot glue onto the cardboard base.

HUMAN SKIN LAYER MODEL FOR TEENS

Hot glue pink or red felt on top of the hypodermis to create the dermis which contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles.

Run the hot glue just along the edge of one side so that you can fold it back and see each layer beneath.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Use beige felt for the epidermis, the thin outermost layer, and glue it down just along the same side you glued your last layer.

Cut a couple of small holes in this layer.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Thread your “hairs” through them and glue them into place in the middle, dermis layer, where hair follicles would be.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Cut very thin, small details for your felt, or you can use string or pipe cleaners to create blood vessels, nerve endings, and sweat glands using different colors.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Secure your blood vessels, sweat glands, and nerves on the dermis layer as well with hot glue.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Next, create labels and add a little color or drawing to help identify them if you like.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Once everything dries, you can flip those layers back and forth.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Finally, place the layers in the correct spot on the model.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This simple uterus research craft is great if you are learning about reproduction, human anatomy, or just giving your daughter a lesson on the why and how of cramps. Too, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

Discussing our amazing bodies is an essential part of homeschooling health education.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

One topic that can be tricky but very necessary is menstrual cramps—something many women and girls experience each month.

By learning about what causes them, we can better understand the female body and show respect for how wonderfully it is designed.

We will dive into amazing facts, talk about putting together a bag for monthly menstrual cycles, and look at a few other body systems.

To make the learning hands-on, we’ll finish with a felt uterus model craft that helps kids visualize how everything works.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT HUMAN REPRODUCTION

First, look at some of these books about the human reproduction. There is something for all ages.

10 Books About Human Reproduction and Pregnancy

Add some books to help your children learn about the amazing human body and reproductive system Too, learn about the fascinating process of pregnancy.

The Way We Work is a fantastic reference book for a lot of human anatomy, including explaining how the menstrual cycle works.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

WHAT ARE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Menstrual cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are the pains some women feel in their lower abdomen before or during their period. These cramps happen because the uterus is a muscle, and like all muscles, it contracts.

When the lining of the uterus sheds each month (that’s what makes a period), the muscle squeezes to push it out. This is very similar to how the stomach squeezes food during digestion or how the heart pumps blood. These contractions are triggered by natural chemicals called prostaglandins.

  • Most cramps last for 1–3 days, though every person’s experience is unique.
  • Mild cramps can feel like an achy pressure or gentle tightening.
  • Stronger cramps may feel sharp or throbbing and sometimes spread to the lower back and thighs.

TIPS FOR EASING CRAMPS

  • Rest- Adequate sleep helps the body handle discomfort better.
  • Heat- A warm heating pad or hot water bottle on the belly helps relax the muscle.
  • Movement- Gentle stretching, walking, or yoga can reduce pain.
  • Hydration- Drinking water (especially warm tea) keeps the body working smoothly.

WHY DOES THE UTERUS DO THIS

The uterus has an incredible job; it is designed to support new life.

Each month, it prepares a soft lining for a possible pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, that lining is no longer needed and is shed as the menstrual period.

The cramps are the body’s way of helping move out the old lining so the cycle can begin again.

Think of it like spring cleaning, sometimes a little hard work is needed to keep things fresh and healthy!

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

This would be a great opportunity, especially for a pre-teen or teen who has not yet started their period, to put together a period kit.

Add a couple of different sizes of pads, pain relief medicine like Midol, a heating pad, feminine wipes, and, of course, some special chocolates.

MORE AMAZING ANATOMY ACTIVITIES

Finally, look at how to make this cool uterus research project.

FELT UTERUS RESEARCH CRAFT

Hands-on crafts make learning memorable. Creating a felt uterus model helps students visualize the origin of cramps and the anatomy of the uterus.

You will need:

  • Pink, white, and red felt
  • Small pom-poms
  • Fabric glue
  • Scissors
Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

Optional: labels printed on paper or written on cardstock

First, trace the uterus shape on light pink felt with a pencil.

Find a good image online or in a reference book to use as a model to create the fallopian tubes, a uterus, and a cervix.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

Trace again on a darker pink felt and then trim it so it is slightly smaller and fits on the light pink felt, then shape the darker pink so that it resembles the unique shape of the uterus and cervix.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

Glue pom-poms/beads at the ends of the tubes. These represent the ovaries, which release eggs.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

To demonstrate how the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is shed, cut small, thin strips from the red felt and arrange them around the inner portion of the uterus.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

Cut small white felt strips and attach them from the fallopian tubes to the uterus to demonstrate the ovarian ligament.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

You can just layer everything or glue it in place.

Use small paper slips to create labels for the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

Place the labels in the correct spots.

Menstrual Cramps Explained And Practical Uterus Research Craft

Encourage older students to research what happens in each part of the reproductive system during the menstrual cycle and add short fact notes to their model.