Remote Learning Biochemistry Unit: Macromolecule Vocabulary Basics

This specific lesson would be the first in the sequence during biochemistry. You really can’t do any higher level thinking activities without students at least having some grasp of the basics of each macromolecule (sometimes referred to as biomolecules) and their components. All these activities get students interacting with the vocabulary and basic understandings of biomolecules in different ways.

As with most other lessons, this is formatted in digital interactive notebook style, with each slide representing a “page.” These activities can be done synchronously or asynchronously and either in a class setting or at home. I recommend that students work on this on their own, and then you can address any issues or misconceptions during the “class” time.

Here is a breakdown of this lesson:

Title Slide

Slide 1-2: Biomolecules web quest- Students read and watch a video about the basics of macromolecules, polymers and monomers. Students answer some basic questions and fill out a chart with information on each biomolecule.

Slide 3-6: Frayer Model Diagrams- If you are not familiar with how these work, essentially student write the word in the middle and then complete 4 different activities with that word. This one has them write the definition (in their own words), draw or copy and paste a picture, name some examples (probably food) and use it in a sentence. Students will complete 4 models, one for each macromolecule.

Slide 7: Drag and Drop Biochemistry vocabulary- Students drag the words surrounding the slide to the definition they match. I do this at the beginning, so that students can familiarize themselves with the words and look them up if they do not know. Note that some enzyme vocabulary is included here as well, since it is integral in this unit.

Slide 8: Monomers and Polymers- Students drag the correct monomers for each polymer onto the slide. This will then form a complete polymer. This is a visual activity that will help students grasp how monomers and polymers are connected.

Slide 9: 4 corners- The 4 macromolecules are in each corner of the slide. There are a variety of images of different foods around the outside of the slide. Students drag the food to the macromolecule it contains the most of.

Slide 10: A Healthy Serving of Macromolecules- Students use a link to fill in the graphic organizer that relates how the macromolecules function in the human body and the elements they are made of.