Sample Activities - Analyzing Proteins, Carbohydrates and Lipids

Students will analyze proteins through an understanding of amino acids, peptide bonds, polypeptides, chemical structure and biometabolism. Students will analyze carbohydrates through an understanding of monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, chemical structure and biometabolism. Students will analyze lipids through an understanding of saturated fat, unsaturated fats, chemical structure, cholesterol and glycerol.

Materials

• Chart paper
• Markers
• Molecular model kits
• Computer
• Worksheets
• Diagrams of molecules for initial synthesis
• Diagrams of molecules for dehydration synthesis
• Diagrams of molecules for hydrolysis
• Computer projector
• Video camera

Procedure

In groups of five (5), assign roles of researcher (2), recorder, reporter and material handler. Each group will be assigned a different aspect of carbohydrates that they will teach the rest of the class. Students will use the molecular models to represent the elements and how they bond with others to make organic molecules. Students will prepare material for distribution. Similar procedures will be followed to study carbohydrates and lipids.

Evaluation/assessment

The major criteria will be the students’ understanding of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Students will work effectively in groups and evaluate themselves.

Sample Student Lab Worksheet

Below are two word problems that each student should solve by writing the required chemical formula and the structural formula. Students should build a model of each compound to help them balance their equations.

Problem #1
What molecules would be created if we add 3 glycine molecules to 1 alanine molecule?

Chemical Equation

Structural Equation

Problem#2
Show what happens if a person adds 2 glucose molecules to 1 sucrose molecule.

Chemical Equation

Structural Equation

Math, Science and Technology Connections

Science
Students will cooperatively learn about and study proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Students will analyze the chemical structure, and biometabolism of each molecular group.
Mathematics
In completing the molecular models of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis, the students will apply algebraic concepts of preserving an equality to balance the chemical equation.
Technology
Students will construct different organic molecules using three dimensional molecular molecules. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of dehydration synthesis by adding and subtracting appropriate elements. Also, they will use computer technology to present information to their classmates.

Instructional Design/Methods and Strategies

The scientific knowledge base will be acquired through cooperative and collaborative learning via positive interdependence. Students will benefit from collaborative teaching. The activity will be interdisciplinary providing real world application of equations. The hands-on approach will enhance student problem solving and information processing skills.

Science and MST Standards Addressed

This project addresses the national science standards (1, 2, 4, 6) and the New York State MST standards (1-7).

Cross- and Inter-Disciplinary Links

MST connections are referenced above. Other connections will result from this project include art (design and symmetry of molecular structures) and language arts (presentations).

Evaluation/Assessment Plan

At the end of this project, the students from each group will be able to complete different organic molecules using three dimensional molecular molecules. Their physical results must match the molecular formula that has been derived by using the model. Each student pair will complete their laboratory sheets. Final assessment will be completed through an oral assessment between the student and the instructor. In addition, each group will evaluate themselves and give details of what they have learned from this activity. Each group will record what takes place during their inquiry.

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Last modified on: Friday, October 27, 2000 at 11:27 PM EST