Transformations in Matter and Energy Carbon TIME is an NSF-funded partnership led by Michigan State University
Activity 2.2 - Molecules Cells Are Made of (45 min)
Target Student Performance
Students use food labels to describe molecules in animal, plant, and decomposer cells: large organic molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), as well as water, vitamins, and minerals.
Resources Provided
- 2.2 Food Labels Worksheet (1 per student)
- 2.2 Grading the Food Labels Worksheet
- 2.2 Molecules Cells Are Made of PPT
- 2.2 Reading Nutrition Labels Handout (1 per pair of students)
- 2.2 Food Label Cards (1 per pair of students)
Recurring Resources
- (Optional for more demanding classes) Posters about large organic molecules:
- Digestion and Biosynthesis of Carbohydrates (1 per class)
- Digestion and Biosynthesis of Fat (1 per class)
- Digestion and Biosynthesis of Protein (1 per class)
- Molecule 11 x 17 Poster (1 per class)
- Metabolic Pathways Poster (1 per class)
Setup
Print one copy of 2.2 Food Labels Worksheet for each student. Print the reusable handouts one copy of 2.2 Reading Nutrition Labels Handout and one copy of 2.2 Food Label Cards per pair of students. Print one copy each of the molecule posters and post them on your classroom wall.
Assessment
Use 2.2 Grading the Food Labels Worksheet to grade student responses. At this point, students can be held accountable for correct answers. If students are still struggling with these concepts, you may want to revisit parts of the lesson they are finding difficult.