I have to admit, biomolecules unit tends to be one of the more difficult units we teach (the chemistry is a bit confusing for kids, since they don't take it until after biology) and coming up with interesting ways to talk about biomolecules isn't always easy....they aren't the most attention-grabbing subjects. However, this unit is really important foundationally, because it is spiraled in all.year.long.
After discussing carbon, functional groups, dehydration synthesis, and hydrolysis we move on to the 4 categories of biomolecules. We spend a few days on each one and take a deeper dive. The one we start with is, carbohydrates.
Day 1:
This day is an informational day. Goal today is to get kids to connect the generic terms monomers and polymers to the specific terms monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. We introduce the structures, examples, functions, and how dehydrations synthesis and hydrolysis fit into the picture (building polymers and digestion). You can use:
- Videos - Khan Academy, Bozeman, Alila Medical Media
- Stations- Activity HERE
- Direct Instruction
Day 2:
Today the kids take specific monosaccharides and model dehydration synthesis between them, creating a disaccharide. This activity uses colored marshmallows and toothpicks. Other candy like dots or gummy bears work too. You could even have them model with paper. If you want the specific activity that I do, you can find it HERE on Amazon. It is a slides assignment that walks them through the modeling, has questions to answer, and students upload pictures of their models. It can be done as an individual or with a partner.
Day 3 we usually move on to the other biomolecules. I will spend 5-10 minutes at the start of class to review the notes they took at the stations and answer any questions.
Look for a PT 4 on proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids! I'd love to hear what you think about the blog, questions, or ideas you have. Leave a comment!
Happy Teaching!
Mrs. Townsend