Learner Description- This activity is designed for a class of High School Biology students.
Introduction: When students hear the word “Biology”, they tend to picture the amazing array of
animals and plants that exist, a doctor perming surgery or perhaps even something as small as a single
cell. Interestingly, one of the best ways to understand all of these (and more) is to understand their
underlying composition. That’s where Chemistry comes in. Before beginning this activity, it is important
that you feel well versed in the basics of general Chemistry. Atoms, covalent and ionic bonds and
polarity should be concepts that are concepts that are key to understanding biomolecules.
Instructions: In this activity, you will work to become an expert on the basics of on type of
biomolecule. Starting in your “home group,’ you will each be assigned an “expert group” to join
(counting off to four is fine). Once assigned an expert group, you will join the others in that group to
investigate your assigned category of biomolecules (see below). For your category, you will be looking
to fully understand the follow about your group of molecules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is the general formula for the group?
What are the primary roles of these molecules in living organisms?
What are the monomers and polymers of the group?
How are the monomers bonded together? Be sure to include a diagram.
Give the names of some specific examples of your group of molecules and include where they
would be found.
Once you have a good understanding of your group of biomolecules, you will meet back with your home
group and teach them about your molecules.
Biomolecules Jigsaw Expert Groups
Group Numbers
Biomolecule Category
Links
Wisc-online.com
Expert Group 1
Carbohydrates
BioCoach
Science Ray
Wisc-online.com
Expert Group 2
Lipids
BioCoach
Science Ray
Wisc-online.com
Expert Group 3
Proteins
BioCoach
Science Ray
BioCoach
Expert Group 4
Nucleic Acids
Science Ray
Nucleic Acids Video