Year 4 - Science
Types of teeth
Introduction to the human digestive system
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit covers the basic functions of the human digestive system and identifies different types of teeth and their functions. It focuses on asking questions, gathering and presenting data, recording findings with diagrams and charts, and reporting results through written and oral presentations.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify and name different types of teeth in humans.
Key Notes
- Teeth can be observed in the mouth using a mirror.
- Dentists and dental hygienists use special mirrors to observe teeth more closely.
- At the front of the jaw, incisor teeth look flat and smooth.
- Near the front of the jaw, canine teeth look sharp and pointed.
- At the back of the jaw, molar teeth look wide, flat but bumpy.
Vocabulary To Learn
- teeth: Teeth are used to break down food before it is swallowed.
- observe: To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
- incisors: Incisors are sharp, flat teeth found at the front of the mouth.
- canines: Canines are slightly pointed teeth at the sides of your mouth, they are used for tearing 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may think that all teeth are the same shape and size, and that different teeth do not have different names. They often do not know that our teeth are already in our jaw when we are born.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Teeth can be observed in the mouth using a mirror. Dentists and dental hygienists use special mirrors to observe teeth more closely.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'teeth'
Teeth are used to break down food before it is swallowed. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Children may think that all teeth are the same shape and size, and that different teeth do not have different names. They often do not know that our teeth are already in our jaw when we are born. Correction: Allow opportunities for children to feel and look at their own teeth for differences in shape and size.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Carnivore, herbivore and omnivore teeth (non-statutory) Study Guide
- Comparing toothpaste (non-statutory) Study Guide
- Different teeth for different food Study Guide
- Looking after our teeth: plan and do (non-statutory) Study Guide
- Looking after our teeth: review (non-statutory) Study Guide
- More about the journey of food Study Guide
- Presenting the human digestive system Study Guide
- The functions of teeth Study Guide
- The human digestive system Study Guide
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