Unit 4: Why is a temperature of 107 degrees deadly?

Investigation 1: How are interactions with water important for maintaining my life?

In this investigation, students will investigate how molecular interactions between the water-based environment ubiquitous to life and molecular interactions within the larger molecules themselves result in molecules with just the right shape to have a particular biological function. Students will engage in hands on activities, simulations, and class discussions to explore sub-microscopic interactions in the human body that support our health and well-being. In the final Investigation, students will explore why shape is important and how thermal energy levels are important to the stability of the molecular interactions.

HS-PS3-5. Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects and the changes in energy of the objects due to the interaction.

HS-LS1-6. Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules. Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using evidence from models and simulations to support explanations.

Investigation 2: Why can’t you uncook an egg?

In this investigation, students will use hands-on activities and simulations to further explore how charges and the contact area of interacting molecules affects the strength of attraction between proteins and other molecules. Readings in this investigation support student understanding of protein structure, and how why proteins may be affected by temperature. In the final activity, students will explore how energy changes during interactions and how temperature affects stability of protein and ligand binding so they can answer the question “Why is a temperature of 107 degrees deadly?”