6th Grade · Science · Activity · shared by Luke Morgan
Learn how the pancreas regulates blood sugar levels using insulin and glucagon to maintain metabolic balance in this free 6th Grade Science activity.
Activity: The Pancreas and the Balance of Life
Your body works hard to maintain a steady internal state. This balance is controlled by a vital organ called the pancreas. This organ acts like a smart machine that monitors sugar levels in your blood. The main sugar your body uses for energy is called glucose . The pancreas always watches how much of this sugar is moving through your body to keep things stable.
When you eat a meal, your sugar levels rise because your body has taken in new fuel. The pancreas notices this change and releases a chemical called insulin . This chemical moves through your body and tells your cells to take in the sugar. This process gives your cells energy while also bringing your blood sugar back down to a safe level. This ensures that your body does not have too much sugar at one time.
If you have not eaten for a long time, your sugar levels might drop too low. To fix this, the pancreas sends out a different chemical called glucagon. This chemical tells your liver to put stored sugar back into your blood. This back-and-forth movement is a cycle that never stops. This cycle ensures that your brain and body parts always have the energy they need to work well.
Instructions: Use the information in the text above to complete the 3-2-1 Countdown. Write your responses in the spaces provided below.
3 Things I Learned
List three distinct facts or concepts you learned today about how the pancreas maintains metabolic balance.
2 Interesting Facts or Connections
Identify two interesting facts from the text or describe two connections between the roles of the pancreas and how your body feels during the day.
1 Question I Still Have
Write one question you still have about the pancreas, hormones, or how your body maintains its energy balance.
Reflection Question