Woodpeckers Create the Human Digestive System

7th October 2026

Having spent a few sessions learning about the human digestive system (and spending a considerable about of time talking about poo!), Woodpecker enjoyed a rather yucky but fun lesson attempting to mimic the work of each organ.

We thought about what happens to the food we eat at each stage and selected equipment to mimic it. For the mouth and teeth, we used a bowl, scissors and a potato masher, with a little water added (saliva). We had thought to use a section of pipe for the oesophagus but purposefully omitted that part.

The stomach was when things stated to get a little yucky. To recreate the stomach, we used a sealable sandwich bag, added our “chewed up food” and some orange juice to act as the stomach acid. We “churned” the contents gently in our hands and left the “chyme” for an hour; not quite as long as it would stay in our stomachs.

We decided that the small intestine was too difficult to recreate due to the millions of villi that line its walls. Instead, we watched a video demonstrating the action of the villi in its absorption of vitamins and nutrients. Then it was time for the large intestine and for this organ we used the leg of pair of tights. The children poured the contents of the stomach bag in the tights and began to squeeze out the water. This phase brought out the greatest discomfort which was evident for the groans and disgusted faces.

With the liquid removed from the “food waste”, it was time for our final organ: the rectum. This was created simply with a paper cup inserted at one end of the tight leg. The food waste was passed down in the cup and the children began to squeeze the cup. The “poo” came out through a star cut into the bottom of the cup and the mood in the room was split between sheer delight and revulsion!

This was one science experience that Woodpecker Class will definitely not forget!