Guide 8A Proteins
Resources
Additional activities, a behind-the-scenes gallery, recommended books, and more.
About this Guide
We are what we eat
It is astonishing to think that most of the atoms in our body have traveled through countless organisms before us; until you consider that animals are dependent on sugars and oxygen from producers, and a variety of nutrients primarily obtained from food organisms. And we are continually replacing our own molecules, breaking down cellular components and building new structures. We animals are what we eat, consuming and reconstructing our own tissues and those of other organisms. That may keep you up at night! 🙂
Lesley
More Protein Synthesis
This video is a walk through a protein synthesis puzzle that can help clarify the steps from a gene to a chain of amino acids.
Watch this video; you can select the closed captioning “cc” option if you would like to see the text.
Have some fun with DNA and protein synthsis modeling; it is understanding the structures and processes that counts.
Additional Activities
Feather Collection
If you run across feathers that you would like to add a collection, use gloves for handling and place them is a sealed plastic bag for a week. This will kill off parasites like lice and mites. Keep the feather out of light, not all pigments are light stable. Use online guides for identification. Be aware that not all feathers can be collected or traded: body parts of endangered species, including feathers, are typically off limits for collectors.
Faux vs. Real
If you are building a study collection, you may be able to get real specimens from resale shops. We have used old mink stoles, raccoon hats, and mounted game birds in our classes over the years. Another option is using replicas, which in some cases less expensive and may come from a more sustainable source. Either way, these can be powerful educational materials that engage multiple senses.
Behind-the-Scenes
Favorite Cage
Guinea pigs thrive in space, and the larger canvas-bottomed cages can be linked together to form 4-foot to 12-foot long sections. Nothing is better than watching guinea pigs running, whistling, and “bronco-ing” in a grass-filled cage.
Porcupines
Most of the porcupines in our state are in the High Desert of Eastern Oregon. You can find quill evidence, but these reclusive animals rarely seek out human interactions.
Feathered Friends
If you have pet birds or well-trafficked bird feeders, you know that its not just feathers you get in return. Birds can form strong social bonds with humans and some species lave long life spans and can learn from their many adventures.
Build a House
Even if you have multiple birds that interact together, having a large cage filled with different foods, chews, and an assortment of interactive toys is a good idea. This not only gives the birds something to do, it can reduce stress-related illnesses.
Recommended Books
Don't let the title fool you, there are a lot of interesting concepts in here!
You know you want two (or more); with good care, guinea pigs are excellent long-term pets.
We have this book + piles of cat hair, so you never know!
Build a Library
Whether its digital or print, collect resources that assist in exploring, describing, and explaining the natural world.
Proteins Product Page
Complete this module’s products before advancing on to the next module
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Research Question: Where do I go?
This Guide
8A: Proteins