The functions of teeth
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the simple functions of the different types of human teeth.
Key learning points
- Teeth are part of the human digestive system.
- Different types of teeth have different functions, but work together to break down food to travel through the body.
- Incisors are sharp and flat, and are used to cut and bite food.
- Canines are sharp and more pointed, and are used to rip and tear food.
- Molars are wide and bumpy, and are used to chew and grind food.
Keywords
Digestive system - The digestive system breaks down food into small particles, which are absorbed into the blood.
Functions - The tasks or jobs that a thing has are its functions.
Incisors - Incisors are teeth that are used to bite and cut food.
Canines - Canines are teeth that are used for tearing and ripping food.
Molars - Molars are teeth found at the back of the jaw with a rounded or flattened surface. They are used for grinding and chewing food.
Common misconception
Children may think that all teeth are the same and that they perform the same job to break down food in exactly the same way.
Eating a few different types of food (Task A) will help children to see for themselves which teeth they are using and what they are actually doing to break down food in different ways.
Teacher tip
Ask children to articulate what they are doing when they eat food, e.g. I am chewing, I am biting, I am tearing food, and to associate these words with the types of teeth they are using.
Equipment
Samples of food to try - soft bread or a banana, small apples, crusty bread (baguette). Access to everyday objects to represent different teeth.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these careers might use special mirrors to observe teeth?
Q2.What are the three main types of teeth in humans?
Q3.Which type of teeth are found at the front of the jaw?
Q4.Which type of teeth are found at the back of the jaw?
Q5.Which type of teeth are found on either side of the teeth at the front of the jaw?
Q6.Match the type of teeth with its description.
wide, flat but bumpy
sharp and pointed
sharp and flat
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Teeth are part of the human digestive system.
Q2.Different teeth have different jobs to do when we eat food. These different jobs are called .
Q3.What is the function of molar teeth?
Q4.What is the function of canine teeth?
Q5.What is the function of incisor teeth?
Q6.Which statement about teeth is true?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: The functions of teeth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: The functions of teeth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Introduction to the human digestive system unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.