Objectives
I will begin teaching this unit at the molecular level—by discussing the chemistry of food macronutrients—and then I will progress to a human system focus, including the digestion process and a study of diabetes. My standards-based objectives for the molecular portion of the unit include: students will study and identify the structures of the macromolecules; they will learn the building block (monomer) and the cellular function of the macromolecule; and they will learn the process by which these molecules are synthesized (condensation) and broken down (hydrolysis). Further, I want students to link their learning about the molecules to foods that they eat every day.
My objectives for the systems portion of the unit are: students will learn the role of the digestive organs; they will explain how each type of macromolecule is digested, including the location(s) of digestion and the type of enzymes involved; they will learn the role of insulin in regulating blood glucose levels, and compare the insulin response to refined and whole grain carbohydrates; they will learn the causes, symptoms and treatment of diabetes; and they will research the characteristics of a healthy diet.
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