You are what you eat. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Eat the rainbow. We hear these healthy eating slogans all the time. But very few people actually know what makes a healthy food good for us or junk food bad for us. Throughout this project you will learn what is really in your food and use that knowledge to help you make good nutrition choices, and encourage others to do the same.
Blueprint and Timeline
Driving Question:
How can we use knowledge about biomolecules to make healthier food choices?
Learning Objectives:
Skills:
How can we use knowledge about biomolecules to make healthier food choices?
Learning Objectives:
Skills:
- Research
- Collaboration
- Web design
- Informative and persuasive writing
- Bio.4.1.1 Compare the structures and functions of the major biological molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) as related to the survival of living organisms.
- Bio.4.1.3 Explain how enzymes act as catalysts for biological reactions.
Biomolecules Research
In order to focus your research, you will (together with your group) choose a type of junk food based on the student survey data presented. Make sure to choose a specific brand of this food (for example, Lay's Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips vs chips).
Using the class notes and resources provided, develop a general knowledge of the four categories of biomolecules - carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and enzymes.
Look up the ingredients in your chosen food and research the biomolecules present in it. Then, find out what effects each of these biomolecules has on the body.
Choose a healthy alternative to your junk food and research the biomolecules present in it, and their effects.
Make sure that between your two foods, you have included at least one biomolecule from each of the four categories.
Using the class notes and resources provided, develop a general knowledge of the four categories of biomolecules - carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and enzymes.
Look up the ingredients in your chosen food and research the biomolecules present in it. Then, find out what effects each of these biomolecules has on the body.
Choose a healthy alternative to your junk food and research the biomolecules present in it, and their effects.
Make sure that between your two foods, you have included at least one biomolecule from each of the four categories.
Biomolecules Lab
Internet research is a great way to find a lot of information about a topic, but it cannot replace the hands on experience of doing a lab.
In the first part of this lab, you will test a variety of common foods to determine which biomolecules are found in each.
In the second part of the lab, you will look more closely at enzymes by testing a simple enzymatic reaction under four different conditions, allowing you to see what helps an enzyme function and what slows or even stops it.
In the first part of this lab, you will test a variety of common foods to determine which biomolecules are found in each.
In the second part of the lab, you will look more closely at enzymes by testing a simple enzymatic reaction under four different conditions, allowing you to see what helps an enzyme function and what slows or even stops it.
Eat This, Not That Website
Scientists value knowledge and discovery not just for themselves, but to share with their community. After you have completed your research about biomolecules and healthy and unhealthy foods, you will use what you have learned to add a page to the Eat This, Not That website. This site will be publicized for the ECA community so that they can be better informed when they choose their next snack.