Biomolecules: Module 5

Update: Avoid Molecular Visions kits. Period.  These kits are widely available, but hard for kids to use and associate with carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms.  HST sells these Molecular Model kits, which are ideal for Chemistry and work for smaller biomolecules.   Instead, Micro Molecular Structure kits have more parts and allow kids to build bigger molecules.

Tomorrow, the Bio class is starting Module 5 and Biomolecules.   We are starting with the Food test lab because Paul, eleven, and Catherine, a new student, will both attend Bio tomorrow.  We need to do something fun, not start off with a lecture.  

Biomolecules involves biochemistry.  Here’s the problem.  Biochemistry is a higher level college course taught after two semesters of Organic Chemistry.  However, we teach a bit in Biology because Biomolecules, such as glucose or DNA are part of the course.  I start with POGIL’s Biological Molecules. (Answer Key).  The kids work in pairs to answer the questions, check their answers, and make corrections.    Next the kids build the molecules with the Lab-aids kit, Molecules of Life.  The kit has student worksheets.  Here are similar questions.  The kids build all of the molecules as they answer questions.  The Lab-aids kits are pricey.  I invested in DNA and Biomolecules kits because I teach Co-op Biology regularly.  I looked for inexpensive organic model kits like this one.  You may want to use clay and make your own molecules.  Below are two photos of molecules.