Category: Cell Biology
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Investigation – Amylase and Carbohydrates
Are you looking for a way to give students a hands-on activity on biological macromolecules? This unit can be daunting for biology students because there is so much chemistry. This activity gives students a break from the vocabulary emphasis of the chapter and gets them into the lab and working with carbohydrates. Though I don’t…
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Lab: How Do Enzymes Work
Explore how enzymes work with this engaging lab. I redesigned this lab with freshman students in mind. The directions are simple. Students drop hydrogen peroxide onto raw liver, and observe the bubbling. The bubbles are oxygen as it is being released in the reaction. The lab handout includes a background section that explains how enzymes…
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Case Study – Measles, Immunity, and Vaccines
How do you teach students that measles isn’t just “a childhood rash”? That it can erase years of immune memory—and even lead to serious complications like brain inflammation? Meet Maddie, the fictional but research-based subject of a new classroom case study. This resource brings science to life through narrative, helping students understand the biology of…
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Case Study – A Grave Problem with the Endocrine System
Engage your students with a detailed, real-world case study about a young woman diagnosed with Graves’ disease. This activity introduces students to the endocrine system, focusing on the thyroid and pituitary glands. Learn about the autoimmune processes behind Graves’ disease. The story begins with a college student that is experiencing fatigue, heart palpitations, and weight…
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Case Study – Ethan’s Journey with Leukemia
Are you looking for an engaging way to teach high school biology? Real-world connections can make a huge impact on your students’ understanding of complex topics like the human body, cell function, and diseases. That’s why we’ve created Case Study: Understanding Leukemia Through Ethan’s Story—a resource designed to bring the science of leukemia to life…
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Murder Mystery Macromolecule Lab
If you’re looking for a creative and engaging way to teach biological macromolecules, look no further than this murder mystery lab activity. Students become forensic scientists, analyzing evidence to solve a crime. Using Lugol’s iodine, Biuret solution, Benedict’s solution, and Sudan IV, students will identify macromolecules in the contents of a victim’s stomach and match…
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Biomolecules Practice and Reinforcement
Biological macromolecules are large, complex molecules essential for life, playing key roles in the structure, function, and regulation of cells. The four main types—carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids—each serve unique and vital purposes. Students in AP Biology will need to know the properties of monomers and the types of bonds that connect them to…
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Exploring the Chemistry of Adrenaline
Explore the fascinating relationship between the structure and function of four important molecules: adrenaline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, and methamphetamine. These compounds share a common framework but differ in their functional groups, which affects how they work in the body. By coloring the diagrams, students identify key features, such as hydroxyl and methyl groups. Small changes can…
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Cell Signaling – Comprehensive Unit Plan
Cell signaling is the process by which cells communicate with each other and respond to external stimuli, ensuring the coordination of vital biological functions. This system involves a signal binding to a receptor on a target cell, and triggering a series of intracellular events. These signaling pathways often include second messengers, protein kinases, and phosphorylation…