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Writer's pictureMeredith Townsend

Pt 3 Biomolecules: Carbohydrates are Cool!

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:


- 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



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2 Comments


2nd Year Teacher
Jul 30, 2022

Thank you so much for helping us younger teachers out - I think it is very helpful when you link where we can find certain things to look for to help aid in our lessons.


I do have a question: I notice on your blogs you put 10-15 minute activities, would you change that if you were on a block schedule and had to cover more material? What about schools that only teach 4 days a week? Do you have any advice for still being able to get through the content and implement some of the lessons you have provided here?


Sincerely,

Second Year Teacher.

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Meredith Townsend
Meredith Townsend
Jul 30, 2022
Replying to

I think that no matter the schedule, anything that deals with direct instruction should be done in 15-20 min blocks MAX. If you are on a 90 min block then transitioning between activities would be important. On a block, with this particular lesson, I would have students complete the stations to take notes. Have a 5 minute break. Then transition to the model building activity. Hope that helps!

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