Name:
Date:
Period:
Tracing a Carbon Atom and Energy
Biologists can investigate the steps in metabolic processes (biosynthesis & breakdown) by feeding extremely small amounts of radioactively
labeled matter to laboratory organisms. This labeled matter undergoes changes in molecular structure during chemical reactions within the
organisms that consumed it, but the label remains detectable. The labeled matter continues to be traceable through transfers between
organisms. As those changes and transfers occur, the scientists can collect samples and trace the course of events by following the radioactivity.
In Tracing a Carbon Atom and Energy, you work on your own to trace the path of an imaginary radioactively labeled carbon atom through the
various molecules in which it is organized. The atom begins its journey as part of a carbon dioxide molecule in the air and ends up as part of a
muscle protein in a human arm. Your task is to use the knowledge you gained in this chapter to draw a diagram of what happens to the atom
during its journey. Then you explain the source of energy for those events.
You may show your knowledge by performing tasks such as:






An educational poster about the carbon cycle and energy.
A story about a carbon atom and energy.
An illustrated flow chart with descriptions.
An illustrated poem or song.
A video.
A board game or other type of gaming method.
Task
5
4
3
2
1
Use of terms
I have integrated all my
vocabulary terms
accurately into my
product and
presentation.
I have integrated most
of my vocabulary terms
accurately into my
product and
presentation.
I have integrated half of
my vocabulary terms
accurately into my
product and
presentation.
I have integrated none
my vocabulary terms
accurately into my
product and
presentation.
Flow of energy
I have given detailed
descriptions of how
energy transfers
between each
organism.
I have correctly stated
where photosynthesis
and cellular respiration
happen and the correct
energy transformations.
I have properly
explained where the
carbon atom begins and
ends at each
relationship
I have correctly applied
glycolysis and the Krebs
Cycle when explaining
biosynthesis and
breakdown.
I have given mostly
descriptive details of
how energy transfers
between each
organism.
I have correctly stated
where photosynthesis
and cellular respiration
happen and the correct
energy transformations.
I have properly
explained where the
carbon atom begins and
ends at each
relationship and
correctly applied the
Krebs cycle when
explaining biosynthesis
and breakdown.
I have described how
energy transfers
between each
organism.
I have correctly stated
where photosynthesis
and cellular respiration
happen and the correct
energy transformations.
I have integrated less
than half of my
vocabulary terms
accurately into my
product and
presentation.
I have stated only
where energy transfers
and correct energy
transformations.
I have properly
explained where the
carbon atom begins and
ends at each
relationship.
I have not properly
explained where carbon
atoms begin and end.
Flow of Carbon
I have properly
explained where the
carbon atom begins and
ends at each
relationship and
correctly explained
biosynthesis and
breakdown.
I have not stated where
energy transfers and
transformations
happen.
PRESENTATION
Forty percent of your grade will be based off the presentation of your learning experience. There are specific criteria that you must follow:
DURATION: 3-5 minutes/INDIVIDUAL, 5-7 minutes/GROUP
PURPOSE: The purpose of the presentation is to build confidence when speaking in front of groups and share with your peers the successes and challenges you faced along the way.
ASSIGNMENT: There is an agenda that you will be graded upon. I have provided the agenda below to help you write your presentation—ALL MEMBERS IN THE GROUP MUST PRESENT EQUALLY.
PRESENTATION AGENDA:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
INTRODUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL/GROUP
PERFORMANCE OF SONG, POWERPOINT, OR POEM (IF NECESSARY)
JOURNEY OF LEARNING
a.
INITIAL REACTION TO DOING A PROJECT
b. PLANNING PERIOD
i. WHAT WENT WELL
ii. WHAT WAS DIFFICULT—HOW WE OVERCAME THE DIFFICULTIES
c.
MAKING THE TEAM
i. WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT WORKING AS A TEAM
ii. WHAT CAN WE TEACH OTHERS ABOUT TEAMWORK
d. LEARNING THE CONCEPTS
i. WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE PROCESS
ii. WHAT CHALLENGED US—HOW WE OVERCAME
FINAL THOUGHTS
a.
WHAT WE WILL DO DIFFERENTLY WHEN WORKING ON A GROUP PROJECT
b. WHAT WE WILL CONTINUE DOING WHEN WORKING ON A GROUP PROJECT
c.
ADVICE FOR MR. OTTERBECK WHAT WILL HELP FUTURE STUDENTS
QUESTIONS
Task
5
4
Reflection
Level 4 and…
1. Presentation
results in
questions from
the audience.
Level 3 and…
1. Presentation
includes visuals.
3
2
1.
2.
3.
Presenter(s)
appear confident
and rehearsed.
Presentation is
engaging.
Presentation
clearly answers
reflection
questions.
1
1.
2.
Presenter(s)
appear confident
and rehearsed.
Presentation
clearly answers
reflection
questions.
Presentation clearly
answers reflection
questions.