Title: Protein Functions
Author: Meredith Schwendemann
Subject Area(s): Human Body
Grade(s): 8th Grade
Description of Lesson: Students will create a concept map around the functions of proteins.
Using animations and videos at 5 stations, students will visualize the functions of proteins and
add information to their concept map.
Length of Lesson: 2 – 42 minute sessions
Student Objectives: Students will understand there are a variety of protein structures and
functions and be able to explain why proteins are important compounds for living things.
Materials: Worksheet with concept map (see below), 5 computers (one at each station), piece
of rope
Procedure: Begin class by asking students what they know about proteins and creating a KWL
chart on the board. Read about proteins as a class (class reading or from textbook) and view
the animation about proteins at http://moleculesinmotion.com/jmol/protein_intro/index.html. Set
up foundation for concept map (see below). Divide class into 5 groups to visit 5 stations. At
each station, students will learn more and see more about each function of proteins. The
students should add information to their concept map through words and/or pictures for each
station. Be sure to inform students that we are only looking at a few examples of proteins and in
actuality, there are many many more proteins in living things! Each station will need a computer
with internet access.
Station 1: Transport- use Teacher's Domain Cell Membrane: Just Passing Through: Animation
of the cell membrane and how proteins are used to transport some substances into and out of
the cell.
Station 2: Muscle Movement- use Discovery Health’s How Muscles Work website
http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/musculoskeletal/muscle2.htm; Animation
of how actin and myosin proteins help muscles contract. Also have a rope available so that
students can model how actin and myosin work.
Station 3: Immune System Proteins- use Teacher's Domain Immune Cells in Action: 1:30 minute
video clip of a virus invading and white blood cells with antibodies attacking.
Station 4: Control Chemical Reactions: Use animation of enzyme catalysts found at
http://bcs.whfreeman.com/thelifewire/content/chp06/0602001.html- shows how enzymes speed
up the rate of a chemical reaction through an animation with narration.
Station 5: Proteins that provide structure: use
http://www.siumed.edu/~dking2/intro/ct.htm#collagen from Southern Illinois University to provide
background information and images of collagen fibers.
Scientific Explanation: Proteins provide many of the functions necessary for living things
including: helping muscles contract and extend, fighting disease, speeding chemical reactions,
structure, and transport.
Assessment: Students use their concept maps to write an essay explaining why proteins are
important compounds for living things. Rubric for assessment:
5
Student
identifies and
explains all
five functions
of proteins
discussed in
class.
4
Student
identifies and
explains 4
functions of
proteins
discussed in
class.
3
Student
identifies and
discusses 3
functions of
proteins
discussed in
class.
2
Student
identifies and
discusses 2
functions of
proteins
discussed in
class.
1
Student
identifies and
discusses 1
function of
proteins
discussed in
class.
0
Student is
unable to
identify nor
discuss any
functions of
proteins.
Kansas Science Standards:
Standard 3, Benchmark 1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the
structure and function of the cell. 1. The student will understand cells are composed of a variety
of specialized structures that carry out specific functions. b. Proteins embedded in the
membranes help carry out specific life processes such as transport and recognition.
Standard 3, Benchmark 1, 2: The student will understand cell functions involve specific
chemical reactions. b. Enzymes catalyze both breakdown and synthesis in the cell.
Missouri Science Standards (GLE’s):
Strand 3.1, Concept D. Plants and animals have different structures that serve similar
functions necessary for the survival of the organism. a. Identify and contrast the structures of
plants and animals that serve similar functions (e.g., taking in water and oxygen, support,
response to stimuli, obtaining energy , circulation, digestion, excretion, reproduction)
Strand 3.2, Concept A. The cell contains a set of structures called organelles that
interact to carry out life processes through physical and chemical means. a. Describe how the
cell membrane helps regulate the transfer of materials in and out of the cell.
Concept Map for Protein Function
Station 1:
Name:_____________________
Transport
Station 2:
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
Proteins
Muscle Movement
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
Station 3:
Station 5:
Immune System
Structure
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Station 4:
Chemical Reactions
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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