How Microbes Make Dogs (And Us!) Fart

Instructional Guide

In this chapter, students will gain an understanding of  ‘What role do microbes play in creating flatulence?’ and learn ways to prevent or decrease flatulence. The lesson will include a short learning check activity.

Intended Grade Level

This is intended for 6th-8th grade students with basic knowledge of how the digestive system works.

Minnesota State Standard

6.LS1.3.2 Students will apply their knowledge to explain the science behind dog flatulence and its connection to the digestion of various types of food.

8.LS1.1.1 Students will be able to ask questions about the microbiome’s function and balance in the digestive system, along with their byproducts.

Learning objectives

• Students will be able to describe the basics of what a microbe is, and where in our digestive system they’re found.
• Students will be able to explain the benefits of having microbes in our digestive system.
• Students will be able to describe the role of microbes in creating flatulence.
• Students will have ideas about how to minimize smelly gas in their dog(s).

Lesson Format

• Students will popcorn read as a class or is small groups. 20-30 minutes
• Next, they will do the dog food sorting activity individually. 5 minutes
• After the class has finished each student will do the learning assessment word drop activity. (This can also be done is small groups as a team) 10-15 minutes

Lesson Background

As a tutor, it’s important to help students understand that flatulence is a normal, natural process, and a basic part of the digestive system. Throughout this lesson, we’ll explore how these microbes work, why some farts smell more than others, and why this process is essential for digestion and health. By the end of the lesson, you’ll be able to explain the science behind flatulence in a fun and understandable way, helping them appreciate the purpose of each organism (no matter how tiny) in our daily life. Let’s dive into the world of digestive microbes and discover the science behind why farts don’t smell like flowers.  Click here for key concepts, what information you need to know, analogies that could help explain the concepts to the children and so much more.

Activities

In this lesson students will think about what they should give their dogs to help prevent flatulence, and what they should not give their dog. There is a total or nine movable options that can be placed into the “Give the dog” side or the “Do not give the dog” side wrong answers will get points deducted.

Common misconceptions and challenge points

Common misconceptions questions students my ask include.

“I thought all bacteria was bad?” – some bacteria can cause illnesses and other problems. But other bacteria can be very helpful in keeping you healthy and creating foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and different kinds of cheeses.

“Do all flatulence smell bad?” – Flatulence are caused by different kinds of gases made in our intestines. Not all of these gases have a bad smell to them. Some of them have no smell at all.

“Is holding in a flatulent bad for you?” – Nope, it will come out eventually.

“I give my dog a pup cups from dairy queen all the time. Is this bad for them?” – Dogs do not have the enzymes required to digest dairy products. Ice cream can cause intestinal upset and flatulence.

Assessment 

See student page

Further exploration

Visit the following links to support your teaching lesson and have fun!

• Where does bodily gas come from? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTvnjaUU6Xk
• Farts in the dogs (gases), causes and solutions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UttiqgwiCHM&t=40s
• Digestive System | The Dr. Binocs Show | Learn Videos for Kids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBZWgrfZFbU
• More information on the resource page for this unit