Biomolecules Review Game! Carbs, Lipids, Proteins & Nucleic Acids

Description

This is a competitive and fun biomolecules review game. Students use strategy and their knowledge of Biomolecules to gain the most points and win the game.

Players take turns going back and forth, each connecting two dots with a line. If a player draws a line that completes a box, that player ‘captures’ the Biomolecule described inside the box. They get the points assigned to that Biomolecule (indicated on the game sheet). Typical game play for the ‘dot game’ allows a player to take a second turn after winning a box, but I tell students to always go back and forth (no double turns) to keep things more fair.

Included on the game board:

Carbohydrate examples:

Glucose and its function
Starch and its function
Cellulose and its function
Monomer: monosaccharide (glucose) and a picture of its structure
Elements in carbs: CHO in a 1:2:1 ratio

Lipid examples:

Phospholipids and their function
Blubber and its function
Monomer: fatty acid and a picture of its structure
Elements: CHO

Protein examples:

Hemoglobin and its function
Insulin and its function
Enzymes and their function (speed up chemical reactions)
Monomer: amino acid and a picture of its structure
Elements: CHON

Nucleic Acid examples:

DNA and RNA and their function
Monomer: Nucleotide and a picture of its structure
Elements: CHONP

Biomolecules Review Game Strategy!

Students quickly learn that some Biomolecules hold more points than others, which keeps them focused and interacting with content as they consider each move!

Plus, most of the boxes have a matching box. If the same player captures both of a pair during the game, they get two bonus points! For example, one box says ‘phospholipid’ and another box is the function of phospholipids; making up cell membranes. Other matches include the name each monomer and the picture of its structure.

There are two versions of the score sheet. One sheet is for just one round of play between two students – Player 1 and Player 2. The other score sheet is designed for two rounds of play, where each student has their own sheet, which they carry with them as they play against two different people.

An answer key and teacher’s guide is included as well!

I usually set a timer, rather than letting them finish out the board. This adds a bit of ‘hurry’ to the game, students are more focused on gaining points as quickly as they can. Sometimes I offer candy or some other incentive to the top score or top 5 scores in the room for each round. My students love this game and ask to play it again and again!