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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > December  >
In the Classroom
Using Denatured Egg White as a Macroscopic Model for Teaching Protein Structure and Introducing Protein Synthesis for High School Students
Paulo R. M. Correia
Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, 03828-080, São Paulo, SP, Brasil

Bayardo B. Torres
Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 05513-970, São Paulo, SP, Brasil

Cover
December 2007
Vol. 84 No. 12
p. 1941
Abstract
The success of teaching molecular and atomic phenomena depends on the didactical strategy and the media selection adopted, in consideration of the level of abstraction of the subject to be taught and the students' capability to deal with abstract operations. Dale's cone of experience was employed to plan three 50-minute classes to discuss protein denaturation from a chemical point of view. Only low abstraction level activities were selected: (i) two demonstrations showing the denaturation of albumin by heating and by changing the solvent, (ii) the assembly of a macroscopic model representing the protein molecule, and (iii) a role-play for simulating glucagon synthesis. A student-centered approach and collaborative learning were used throughout the classes. The use of macroscopic models is a powerful didactical strategy to represent molecular and atomic events. They can convert microscopic entities into touchable objects, reducing the abstraction level required to discuss chemistry with high school students. Thus, interesting topics involving molecules and their behavior can take place efficiently when mediated by concrete experiences.
More Information
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Citation
Correia, Paulo R. M.; Torres, Bayardo B. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1941.
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Keywords
Analogies / Transfer; Biochemistry; Biological Cells; Collaborative / Cooperative Learning; Enzymes; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary; Molecular Biology; Molecular Properties / Structure; Noncovalent Interactions; Proteins / Peptides
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
10/25/2007
10/31/2007
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