Description

This modeling macromolecules activity brings abstract biochemistry topics like organic compounds, bonding, and protein structure to life! Modeling activities are key to many state standards and NGSS because they allow students to manipulate and observe chemical changes. Your students will truly understand biochemistry when they’re finished!

Please note: This activity is also part of my Unit 2: Chemistry of Life and the Full-Year Biology Curriculum.

Included in this resource:

• A teacher instruction page with materials list for each station (see necessary materials below)
• Organic compound structure pages for sucrose, glucose, fructose, and leucine
• Thorough student instructions for modeling macromolecules with discussion and comprehension questions
• Concept map to assess understanding (use as homework or an exit ticket)
• Answer keys

Topics addressed include:

structure of carbohydrates, macromolecules, disaccharides, monosaccharides, conservation of matter during a chemical reaction, hydrolysis, structure of amino acids, 3-dimensional structure of proteins (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary), peptide bonds, hydrophilic v. hydrophobic

Necessary materials:

dried red beans, dried white beans, dried split peas, pipe cleaners, beads