How the Body Removes Waste

About this printable How the Body Removes Waste science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 3-5)

This engaging 250-word reading passage introduces fourth-grade students to the important process of waste removal in the human body, aligned with NGSS standard 4-LS1-1. Students discover that not all food can be used by the body and learn how leftover waste travels through the digestive system before leaving the body. The passage explains three main ways the body removes waste: through solid waste from digestion, sweat from the skin, and urine from the kidneys. Written in age-appropriate language, the content helps students understand why waste removal is just as critical as consuming food and water. The passage emphasizes that if waste built up inside the body, it would cause illness. Audio-integrated features support diverse learners, while bolded vocabulary terms like nutrients, waste, digestive system, and kidneys are clearly defined in context. Supplementary activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers that reinforce understanding of body systems and waste removal processes. This foundational science content prepares students for hands-on investigations and deeper exploration of how living organisms maintain health through essential life processes.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Preview

Sample passage and quiz from How the Body Removes Waste

Illustration of kidneys filtering blood and removing waste as urine. — Kidneys work like tiny machines to filter waste from your blood.

Your body is like a busy factory that uses food and water to keep you healthy and strong. When you eat, your body breaks down food to get nutrients—the useful parts that give you energy and help you grow. Nutrients are like fuel for your body. However, not everything you eat can be used.

After your body absorbs the nutrients it needs, leftover materials become waste. Waste is anything your body cannot use. This waste must leave your body to keep you healthy. The leftover waste from food continues moving through your digestive system—the group of organs that breaks down food. Eventually, this solid waste leaves your body when you go to the bathroom.

Your body removes waste in other ways too. When you sweat, your skin releases water and waste. Your kidneys are organs that filter your blood and remove waste. Kidneys are like tiny cleaning machines inside your body. This waste mixes with water to make urine, which leaves your body when you use the bathroom.

Removing waste is very important. If waste built up inside your body, you would get sick. Your body works hard every day to get rid of waste, just like taking out the trash at home. Waste removal is just as important as eating food and drinking water.

Interesting Fact: Your kidneys filter about 200 quarts of blood every single day! That's enough to fill a bathtub more than twice.