Can I be honest? Teaching macromolecules could very well be one of the most boring topics in Biology! Well….it was for me….until last year, when I decided to re-vamp my lesson plan to include more engaging activities. Today, on the blog, I am sharing some ideas for Teaching Macromolecules in Biology.
One of my most effective teaching strategies is to expose students to content BEFORE it’s taught. That is the purpose of my Introduction to Macromolecules Close Reading Packet. This resource allows students to get foundational information so that I can build on that knowledge later with a lesson. To get a FREE copy of my Macromolecules Close Reading Packet, click here.
After my students have established a foundational understanding of the four macros, I quickly run through a lesson that showcases each macromolecule, its structure, function and importance. The lesson can get a little boring, so I provide my students with Science scribbles that allows them to doodle and color while I teach. My lesson and notes are part of my Macromolecules Lesson Bundle. Check it out here.
To reinforce the information shared in the lesson, I always show a 5-10 minute video that explains the four macromolecules. Here are a few of my favorites:
My students do pretty well with the content until we start talking chemistry. The structure and components that comprise each of the macromolecules is often difficult to grasp. In an effort to help my students understand this concept, I construct macromolecules with my students. I physically walk them through the entire process of coloring, cutting and pasting each monomer to create a structural representation of the polymers discussed. This one lesson is the “light bulb” moment for many of my students and just the activity that I need to help them understand a seemingly difficult concept. This activity is part of my Macromolecules Lesson Bundle that can be previewed here.
This part of the lesson is always a student favorite! Who doesn’t love a good mystery? I set the stage for this murder mystery by creating a little intrigue (see image).
I provide the students with a sample of “evidence” and they must test the evidence for proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Once they determine the macros present in the evidence, they will use information that I provide them to solve the case!
Before assessing my students, I have them get out of their seats for a gallery walk. I hang 28 task cards around the inside of the classroom and outside hallway and have students work with a partner to review. Students love having the opportunity to move around the classroom and this resource is the perfect review before their test.
I hope that you found something that you can use to make your next MACROMOLECULES lesson informative, fun and engaging! Talk to ya soon!
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The doctor is in! 🏥
Today, I assessed my bio students on their knowledge of cell function with this activity called CELL CLINIC.
I set up “exam rooms” of patients with various symptoms and ailments. 🩹
Students had to study the symptoms and lab work to determine which cell organelles were malfunctioning. They had to read, collaborate, and discuss to provide a diagnosis for each patient. 📝
Our local hospital donated these gowns and masks 😷 (which provided us with some fun role play).
Check out this activity at
www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/clinic
Cell organelle speed dating- one of my bio favs!
💗 Love was in the air today as our organelles mixed and mingled to learn about one other’s function within the cell. 💕
✔️ We had punch.
✔️ We had lots of laughs.
✔️ We had fun!
Learn all about how I set up and executed this event over on my blog:
We had fun! Learn all about how I set up and executed this event over on my blog: www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/date" />
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY! 🥳
Let me know in the comments how your school year is going so far!
On Wednesday, September 4th, I’ll pick one commenter and send you a $20 TPT giftcard. (I’ll tag the winner here on this thread.)
Let’s stock my new classroom fridge with #allthesnacks
I use a progress monitoring system in my high school biology classroom. 📊 Collecting useful data and using it to drive instruction has revolutionized my classes and offered a path of success for my students.
In this system, the focus is on 💫 PROGRESS- not perfection. It takes a while to train students to focus on personal growth, but once they buy in to this system, the results are AMAZING 🤩.
This “data wall” showcases the data collected through 6 benchmark exams. The data from each benchmark is analyzed to decide how I can best serve my students. 📈
It’s a visual reminder for both me and my students that progress is being made… and at the end of the year, it serves as evidence of the learning that has taken place.
This week, I begin progress monitoring with a new group of bio students. I can’t wait to take this journey and watch each student grow this year. 🌟
