Author:
Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains
Subject:
Life Science, Biology
Material Type:
Lesson Plan
Level:
High School
Grade:
9, 10, 11, 12
Tags:
  • Biology
  • Biomacromolecules
  • Macromolecules
  • Organic Molecules
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Downloadable docs, Interactive, Text/HTML, Video

    Function Follows Structure

    Function Follows Structure

    Overview

    In this seminar students construct graphic organizers to make sense of the profuse amount of concept specific vocabulary terms as they relate to the structure and function of the 4 biomacromolecules.  They will collect data as they test common foods for the presence of these 4 organic molecules in a virtual lab.

    Standards

    BIO.A.2.2.2 Describe how biological macromolecules form from monomers.

    BIO.A.2.2.3 Compare and contrast the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in organisms.

    Engage

    Introductory warm-up activity.

    “You are what you eat,” it has been said.  What food would you need to eat to consume these essential biological macromolecules? Click Here and brainstorm what you are when you eat.

    Explore

    Read or watch the resources about polymers, the do the practice activity.   

    Read

    Watch

    Do

    Whew! There is much to know about what you eat and what you become because of what you eat.  In this section use a notes guide to work your way through this information.

    A crash course in “ you are what you eat.”  Watch Now!

    Matching. Practice these terms to speak the language of Biomacromolecules. Click here.

    Extra Resources

    Explain

    Discuss your ideas / opinions / understandings.

    Structural comparison of the macromolecules can lead to important insights as to their function. The carbon to carbon bond provides energy and variability of structure.  View the basic structure of each and provide your evidence as to which one is least likely to function as an energy source.

     

    Glucose Image

    Lipids Image

    Protein (dipeptide) Image

    Nucleic Acid Image

    Evaluate

    Now it is time to self check how much you have learned about biomacromolecules.  If you do not know as much as you thought, go back to the “Explore” section of this seminar and reread, rewatch, or redo the activities listed.  See your facilitator if you have questions.

    Click here to take the quiz online. You do not have to log into the quiz site in order to take this quiz. If a window pops up asking you to sign up for the quiz site, just close the sign-up window and start your quiz.

    Elaborate

    This is a task or project where you can show what you know.

    In this virtual lab, investigate what organic macromolecules are in the foods that you eat.

    • Independent Experiment - this is an experiment in which you will explore the various tests to collect data.
    • Guided Experiment - this is an experiment in which you will work through a series of steps to test common foods your eat.

    Express

    Complete this wrap-up activity where you reflect on your learning.  

    Describe one tactic or strategy  you used to persist through the difficult and long  parts of this seminar.