Biology - HOT Science Lab

Teacher
Building Macromolecules
NGSSS:
SC.A.912.L.18.1 Describe the basic molecular structures and primary functions of the four
major categories of biological macromolecules. (AA)
Purpose of Lab:
Students will construct the basic components of organic molecular structure.
Describe and illustrate different ways in which molecules are represented.
Synthesize what occurs in a chemical reaction.
Prerequisites:
Students should have a basic understanding of the four basic categories of
macromolecules and their roles and function in the body of an organism.
Materials (per group):
Use different household or food items to represent the different elements
o Blueberries= Hydrogen
o Red Grapes= Oxygen
o Green grapes= Carbon
o Radish= Nitrogen
o Bonds= wooden toothpicks or dry spaghetti pieces
Procedure: Day of Activity:
Before
activity:
During
activity:
What the teacher will do:
a. Prep work: Obtain all materials before beginning this lab activity.
b. Before passing out the fruit, have the students think about what
macromolecules are necessary for growth and energy in the body. .
c. Use the following questions to engage student thinking during a pre-lab
discussion:
1. Do all macromolecules look the same
2. Does their structure relate directly to their function in an organism
d. What factors may affect the structure of these macromolecules Assign
four students per group. For student reference, make copies of the ―Lab
Roles and Their Descriptions.‖
e. Review the types of molecules in the handout with the students.
f. Pass out the fruit and provide wax paper or paper plates to hold the
―molecules.‖
What the teacher will do:
a. Circulate throughout the room and help any group that is having trouble
with any aspect of the procedure.
b. Monitor students for safety procedures, and keep students focused on their
hypothesis.
c. The following questions may be used to engage student thinking during the
lab activity:
1. What is the process that allows molecules to bond Why does this
occur
2. What is the function of the macromolecules in the body of an organism
Biology HSL Page 215
Curriculum and Instruction