| Abstract Detail
Supporting Effective Teaching and Learning Cunningham, Suzanne M. [1]. 'Smiling Faces' - A Simple Technique for Teaching Enzyme Function. Interactive programs have been developed so students of various ages can experience plant science, learn how enzymes breakdown starch during digestion and seed germination, and, ultimately, better understand the role agriculture plays in their daily lives. Plant science and starch digestion are introduced through hands-on experiments using corn seed, saliva, starch-agar gels, and iodine indicator. Elementary students learn what an enzyme is, how enzymes work using letters of the alphabet, and have the opportunity to see enzymes in action. We discuss the role enzymes play in seed germination and food digestion. Simple hands-on experiments changing enzyme assay parameters can assist middle school students in charting enzyme activity. Students use the starch-agar gels containing seeds from grains and legumes to visualize the differences in the amount of starch stored in these seeds. Elementary and middle school students better understand the concepts of enzyme activity and specificity by using jigsaw puzzles and LegoTM blocks in 3 to 5 minute experiments. The food pyramid and the role plants play in nutrition are introduced to all students. Discussions of corn processing and utilization by the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, plastic, and oil industries help students appreciate the role agriculture plays in our culture.
Target Audience: Kindergarten - Middle School Teachers
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1 - Purdue University, Agronomy, 915 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2054, USA
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Workshop
Session: W02
Location: Lake Huron/Hilton
Date: Saturday, July 7th, 2007
Time: 10:00 AM
Number: W02001
Abstract ID:2508 |
