Carbohydrates are organic molecules that
contain sugars and starches. You will be
building one type of sugar called glucose.
Glucose is produced during
photosynthesis and acts as the fuel for
many organisms. During cellular
respiration, glucose is broken down and
releases energy to maintain life as well as
thermal energy.
Formula for Glucose: C₆H₁₂O₆
Check your bag
 Marshmallows represent individual atoms of three
types:
 Carbon (should have 6)
 Hydrogen (should have 12)
 Oxygen (should have 6)
Procedure
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Trim the glucose model worksheet around the dark line.
In your bag, you have three colors of marshmallows. One color has 6,
another has 12, and another has 6 of each. Count to make sure your bag is
complete.
Choose one of the colors (with 6) to be Carbon and the other color (with 6)
to be Oxygen. Place 5 Carbons with one Oxygen in the center of your model
to make the central ring as shown on the diagram.
Add the sixth Carbon to the Carbon marshmallow that is next to the Oxygen
atom.
Add the Oxygen atoms around the Carbon on the ring.
Add the Hydrogen (with 12) around each of the other marshmallows until
you have used all 12. Check the key to see if you have placed your
marshmallows correctly.
The connecting lines on your model represent chemical bonds. Remember
that these are forces, not physical objects that are holding the atoms
together.
Wait and follow the teacher’s instructions for the next part of this activity.
Glucose Model
Modeling the Break down of
Carbohydrates to Glucose
1. Carefully pick up your model of Glucose.
2. Stand together in a line while touching elbows as if
you were all connected. Be careful not to drop your
model or marshmallows!
3. As your teacher instructs you, slowly walk back to
your seat.
4. You may dispose of your marshmallows properly. 
3. Let’s discuss what happened!
Conclusion
Glue your Glucose Molecule
sheet to page 7 in your
Notebook.
Label the top
“Glucose Molecule”.