Students model how temperature and pH change protein structure.
This lesson introduces protein denaturation through a real-world phenomenon and a structured modeling sequence. Students investigate whether chemical burns and heat burns damage tissue in the same way by examining how acids and heat affect protein structure.
The lesson begins with a phenomenon-based question: Can an acid burn be treated the same way as a heat burn? Students analyze evidence from a teacher-led demonstration and use that evidence to build an explanation for how different conditions alter protein shape.
Students then construct a model of protein structure and revise it to show how heat and acids disrupt that structure. Rather than memorizing a definition of denaturation, students reason from evidence to explain how changes in temperature and pH affect protein folding and function. They use a Claim–Evidence–Reasoning framework to support their conclusions and compare similarities and differences between chemical and thermal damage.
This resource is designed as a conceptual mechanism lesson within a biomolecules or proteins unit. It supports understanding of:
Protein structure–function relationships
Denaturation caused by heat and acids
How molecular changes lead to tissue damage
Scientific explanation using evidence
The lesson includes:
Printable student modeling pages
Teacher display slides
Demonstration instructions
Teacher key
This lesson works well after students have been introduced to proteins and before or during enzyme instruction. It provides a clear, evidence-based foundation for understanding how environmental conditions affect protein structure and function.
Grade Band:
Grades 8–11
Recommended Courses:
Middle School Life Science (advanced)
High School Biology
Introductory Biology or Physical Science with biomolecules
For a preview of this lesson, click here.
Placement Guidance:
Best used during a biomolecules or proteins unit, after students have been introduced to protein structure and before or during enzyme instruction.
NGSS Alignment:
MS-LS1-2, HS-LS1-1
SEPs: Developing and Using Models; Constructing Explanations; Engaging in Argument from Evidence
CCCs: Structure and Function; Cause and Effect
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
RST.6-8.1, RST.9-10.1
WHST.6-8.2, WHST.9-10.2
WHST.6-8.9, WHST.9-10.9
Students model how temperature and pH change protein structure.
This lesson introduces protein denaturation through a real-world phenomenon and a structured modeling sequence. Students investigate whether chemical burns and heat burns damage tissue in the same way by examining how acids and heat affect protein structure.
The lesson begins with a phenomenon-based question: Can an acid burn be treated the same way as a heat burn? Students analyze evidence from a teacher-led demonstration and use that evidence to build an explanation for how different conditions alter protein shape.
Students then construct a model of protein structure and revise it to show how heat and acids disrupt that structure. Rather than memorizing a definition of denaturation, students reason from evidence to explain how changes in temperature and pH affect protein folding and function. They use a Claim–Evidence–Reasoning framework to support their conclusions and compare similarities and differences between chemical and thermal damage.
This resource is designed as a conceptual mechanism lesson within a biomolecules or proteins unit. It supports understanding of:
Protein structure–function relationships
Denaturation caused by heat and acids
How molecular changes lead to tissue damage
Scientific explanation using evidence
The lesson includes:
Printable student modeling pages
Teacher display slides
Demonstration instructions
Teacher key
This lesson works well after students have been introduced to proteins and before or during enzyme instruction. It provides a clear, evidence-based foundation for understanding how environmental conditions affect protein structure and function.
Grade Band:
Grades 8–11
Recommended Courses:
Middle School Life Science (advanced)
High School Biology
Introductory Biology or Physical Science with biomolecules
For a preview of this lesson, click here.
Placement Guidance:
Best used during a biomolecules or proteins unit, after students have been introduced to protein structure and before or during enzyme instruction.
NGSS Alignment:
MS-LS1-2, HS-LS1-1
SEPs: Developing and Using Models; Constructing Explanations; Engaging in Argument from Evidence
CCCs: Structure and Function; Cause and Effect
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
RST.6-8.1, RST.9-10.1
WHST.6-8.2, WHST.9-10.2
WHST.6-8.9, WHST.9-10.9
