Proteins & Nucleic Acids - What's in Them? Biochem analysis w/ Standard Error

This activity allows students to review basic information related to the 4 classes of biological macromolecules and carbon before exploring the chemical composition of proteins and nucleic acids in this "minds-on" data-driven activity. Students will work with data and complete calculations including percent change, mean, standard deviation, and standard error. In addition, students will see how error bars are drawn and learn how to interpret them on a graph, ultimately reaching conclusions about the elements found in proteins and nucleic acids. The product has 7 sections.

Activity A: Introduction/review of macromolecules and carbon

Activity B: Background and procedure for determining composition of proteins and nucleic acids

Activity C: Making predictions about results

Activity D: Working with data - calculating means and standard error

Activity E: Determining confidence intervals

Activity F: Graphing and error bars

Activity G: Reaching conclusions

Answer key available in store for download or download both in the bundle