Enzymes Lesson Plans

Students explore the role of enzymes in chemical reactions. In this enzymes lesson plan, students use hydrogen peroxide and manganese dioxide to observe a chemical reaction. Students observe the rates of reactions of chalk, hamburger, liver, spinach, potato, and carrot with hydrogen peroxide. They use raw liver and boiled liver and compare the reactions. Students answer summary questions about their results and conclusions.

Students test for the presence of enzymes in fruit and the specificity of those enzymes, as well as to identify and show the susceptibility of enzymes to certain environmental factors (temperature and pH) originating in the enzyme's environment.

Students perform two experiments to show the properties of enzymes. They use pectinase to produce apple juice from applesauce to show enzyme action and then taste the difference between raw and boiled papaya seeds as evidence of enzyme deactivation.

Students investigate the enzyme catalase. In this enzyme lesson plan, students observe a normal catalase reaction, they observe liver tissue, potato, chicken and apple for the enzyme catalase and they study the effects of temperature and pH on catalase activity.

Students explore enzymes and what can inhibit and act as a catalyst for them.  In this enzymes lesson students complete experiments on enzyme properties.

Students explore the properties of enzymes. In this chemical reaction instructional activity, students explore enzymes through a Web-quest and investigative study. Students will collect and summarize data and create a class presentation. This instructional activity is hands on and includes multiple web links.

Students observe the actions of the enzyme and how shape is important to enzyme reactions.

Students explore how enzymes are important in the chemical reactions of all living things.  In this enzymes and catalysts instructional activity students complete an activity to see how enzymes change living things.

Students pretend to be an enzyme "thoothpickase" which breaks toothpicks in timed intervals. They complete calculations to determine how many toothpicks are broken per second to determine the rate of reaction of the enzyme.

Students participate in a modified demo enzyme lab, a "magic show." The purpose of the demo is to tickle the curiosity of the student and grab their interest before discussions of enzymes. Its purpose is also to stimulate problem solving and to initiate questions on our environment.