Science Stinks (Literally!)

This week's topic was the digestive system.   More specifically, we learned the importance of mechanical and chemical digestion, and how one just isn't enough!  Here are some pictures from our "stomachs" that experienced mechanical digestion.  Even after 2 days ...yes, you heard right... food didn't continue to break down all by itself (it was stinky).

One bag was kept as a control.  It was a great visual as we looked at what was still recognizable.  

We also took a look at chemical digestion both by soaking a piece of chalk in vinegar, and by allowing chewy candy to dissolve in our mouths without the use of our teeth.  The conclusion that everyone came to was that although both mechanical and chemical digestion is important, one alone isn't very effective.  That is why they both occur in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine.  So glad they threw the baggies out, now my room just needs the weekend to air out!