Caring for Teeth

Overview

An engaging 60-minute Science session designed for Year 4 students, focusing on understanding how to take care of teeth through investigative learning. The lesson directly supports the National Curriculum for England's objectives related to animals, including humans, promoting scientific enquiry, observation, and explanation skills.

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National Curriculum Links

Year 4 Programme of Study: Science

• Animals, including humans:
  • Describe the simple functions of the basic parts of the digestive system in humans.
  • Identify the different types of teeth in humans and their simple functions.
  • Understand the importance of diet, exercise, and hygiene to maintain health.
• Working scientifically:
  • Asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.
  • Setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests.
  • Making systematic and careful observations, taking accurate measurements where appropriate.
  • Gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions.
  • Reporting on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Name different types of teeth and describe their functions (NC link: Animals, including humans).
• Understand how food and sugar impact teeth health.
• Conduct a simple investigation comparing the effects of different liquids on eggshells as a model for tooth enamel erosion.
• Record and interpret their observations, drawing conclusions about how to look after their teeth.

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Resources

• Realistic tooth model or diagram
• Variety of liquids: water, cola, orange juice, milk, vinegar (in small, safe quantities)
• 5 raw eggs (one per group; eggshells simulate tooth enamel)
• Beakers or clear plastic cups (one per liquid)
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Soap, paper towels, and washing-up bowls for washing hands and cleaning up
• Science journals or worksheets (observation tables)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter (10 minutes)

Engage & Activate Prior Knowledge

• Show a large tooth model or diagram and briefly discuss the different types of teeth (incisors, canines, molars) and their functions. Ask:
  What foods do we think teeth help us eat?
• Recap how teeth can get damaged - introduce the idea of "tooth decay" and sugar's role in it.
• Pose a question: What do you think happens to our teeth when we drink sugary drinks or don’t brush properly?
• Mention that today, they'll investigate how different drinks affect “teeth” – modelled by eggshells.

2. Main Activity (35 minutes)

Practical Investigation: Effect of Drinks on Teeth

• Organising the class (5 minutes):

  • Divide 23 pupils into 5 groups (4-5 pupils each). Assign each group a liquid (one group gets water as control).
  • Brief explanation on fair tests: variables, keeping other factors constant.

• Setting up (5 minutes):

  • Each group places one clean eggshell half in a cup with their liquid.
  • Predict what will happen to the eggshell (record in science journals).

• Observation and Discussion (10 minutes):

  • During the lesson, explain what happens to tooth enamel when exposed to acids or sugars (link to the liquids).
  • Use whiteboard to illustrate acid erosion.

• Brushing Demonstration & Teeth Hygiene Tips (15 minutes):

  • While eggshells soak, demonstrate correct brushing technique using toothbrush and model.
  • Discuss importance of brushing twice daily, reducing sugary snacks, and regular dentist visits.
  • Pupils practice brushing motions on a drawing of teeth or their own teeth.

3. Plenary & Recording (10 minutes)

First Observations & Reflection

• Carefully remove eggshells (or observe without removing) and note any immediate changes (e.g., colour, texture).
• Complete observation tables: describe eggshell appearance at start and after soaking.
• Pupils discuss in pairs which liquids caused the most damage and explain why.
• Teacher leads brief whole-class discussion drawing conclusions about caring for teeth.

4. Extension/Follow-up (Optional Homework)

• Pupils record their eggshell’s condition each day for a week to observe longer-term effects.
• Encourage keeping a "teeth diary" of foods/drinks consumed and brushing routines.

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Assessment

• Teacher will assess pupils' understanding through:
  • Participation in discussions demonstrating knowledge of tooth types and their functions.
  • Predictions and explanations recorded in science journals linked to the investigation.
  • Ability to record observations clearly and draw simple conclusions about tooth care.
  • Practical demonstration of correct tooth brushing technique.

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Differentiation

• Support:
  • Provide sentence starters and vocabulary cards (e.g., enamel, acid, decay).
  • Assign roles within groups for collaborative learning (note-taker, spokesperson).
• Challenge:
  • Pupils design their own fair test related to tooth care; e.g., investigate how frequency of "brushing" affects eggshell condition.
  • Encourage use of scientific diagrams and extended writing in journals.

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Safety Notes

• Remind pupils not to taste experiment liquids.
• Ensure thorough hand washing after handling eggshells and liquids.
• Use non-toxic liquids and small quantities.
• Clean and clear workspace before and after investigation.

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This lesson plan combines core science concepts with hands-on investigation, promotes enquiry skills, and encourages lifelong healthy habits – all aligned with the national curriculum to inspire curiosity and practical understanding in young learners.