What’s Lurking in Your Fast Food?
Overview
In this lesson students will synthesize information on the building blocks of life—carbohydrates, lipids and proteins— by conducting a series of chemical tests to determine which major biomolecules are found in common foods. After they have determined the nutrients that are in common foods, they will research and analyze the nutritional content of popular fast foods. Students will summarize the different types of essential nutrients that organisms need to support growth, form new molecules and release energy and the links that the overconsumption of biomolecules may have with the increase in obesity and other health conditions in children and adolescents.
21st CENTURY SKILLS
Collaboration
Communication
Critical Thinking
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Defining the Problem
Communicating Results
Objectives
- Analyze various food items that may be found in fast food using chemical tests to discover which of the major biomolecules they contain
- Examine the link between fast food consumption, obesity and other health conditions
- Propose solutions for healthier fast food choices
Suggested Time
2-3 class sessions