Macromolecules in Food

Activity Summary
Students use chemical indicators to detect for the presence of different macromolecules in various liquids. Each group of students will place a small volume of each solution in different test tubes to detect for the presence of simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. After observing the color change in the presence of each different macromolecule,
students make predictions on the presence of each of these macromolecules in a solution then test for their presence.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the function of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
2. Explain the differences between simple and complex carbohydrates
3. Explain how chemical indicators work
4. Identify which macromolecules are present in various substances

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
macromolecules, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, chemical indicators

Last updated: 3/4/2015