Concepts relating to enzymes and energy are central to understanding chemical and biological processes at the molecular level. Student learning of these crosscutting concepts can be challenging, so it is important to identify misconceptions and remediate them early, especially in introductory classes. Here we describe an activity in which undergraduate introductory biology students timed themselves crushing pieces of cereal to simulate and quantify the progress of an enzymatic reaction in the presence of competitive and noncompetitive inhibitors, and we asked students to connect the cereal analogy to concepts of thermodynamics. We developed an assessment and short surveys to evaluate the impact of the activity and to identify persistent misconceptions. Measurable improvements of assessment scores and qualitative student survey responses demonstrate the value of including a hands-on activity along with other modes of instruction.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Research Article|
May 01 2023
How the Cereal Crumbles: A Hands-On Activity for Enzyme Kinetics and Thermodynamics in Introductory Biology
John P. Stanga,
JOHN P. STANGA is an assistant professor in the Biology Department at Mercer University.
Search for other works by this author on:
Troy R. Nash,
TROY R. NASH is the Director of University Assessment in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at Mercer University.
Search for other works by this author on:
Megan D. Pannell
MEGAN D. PANNELL is an assistant professor in the Biology Department at Mercer University.
Search for other works by this author on:
The American Biology Teacher (2023) 85 (5): 252–258.
Citation
John P. Stanga, Troy R. Nash, Megan D. Pannell; How the Cereal Crumbles: A Hands-On Activity for Enzyme Kinetics and Thermodynamics in Introductory Biology. The American Biology Teacher 1 May 2023; 85 (5): 252–258. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2023.85.5.252
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Could not validate captcha. Please try again.