This study introduces a practical work activity that allows students to investigate the inhibitory effects of seed extracts on pancreatic lipase activity. The activity is related to the issue of the ongoing global obesity epidemic and involves the use of materials and chemicals readily available in high school laboratories. We show how the activity can help students understand how scientists can control the reaction rates of key enzymes involved in the digestion of dietary fat, to combat obesity. The activity also illustrates how instructional scaffolding can help students understand important procedures related to the design, measurement, and handling of data which are critical in ensuring success among students performing scientific investigations.
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Research Article|
May 01 2023
Inquiry on a Potential Anti-Obesity Agent: Investigating Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitors in Seed Extracts
Pat Chun Chan,
PAT CHUN CHAN is an experienced biology teacher. He was the Panel Head of Science and Integrated Science at Queen Elizabeth School Old Students’ Association Secondary School in Hong Kong for 16 years.
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Kennedy Kam Ho Chan
KENNEDY KAM HO CHAN is an associate professor at the Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong. His research interests include teachers’ professional knowledge and the use of videos in teacher education.
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The American Biology Teacher (2023) 85 (5): 265–269.
Citation
Pat Chun Chan, Kennedy Kam Ho Chan; Inquiry on a Potential Anti-Obesity Agent: Investigating Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitors in Seed Extracts. The American Biology Teacher 1 May 2023; 85 (5): 265–269. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2023.85.5.265
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