Submitted by:Â Laura WodlingerBlurb:
Using Case Studies can give context to detail rich subjects like Biochemistry, stimulate student interest, and link together multiple lessons for better unit flow.
The case study “Can of Bull: Do Energy Drinks Really Work?” links together an understanding of the biochemistry of macromolecules, metabolism, and nutrient tests.
Students will use their knowledge of biochemistry to analyze whether different energy drinks meet their marketing claims.  At the same time they can also develop good lab skills and a knowledge about positive and negative controls by doing a series of nutrient tests to confirm the presence of certain key ingredients.
Curriculum:Â 12 U Biology (Metabolism, Biochemistry)
Links:Â
Original Case Study –Â http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/files/energy_drinks.pdf
 Copyright © 2005 by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
Modified Case Study with Lab Experiment –Â http://studylib.net/doc/8145760/a-can-of-bull%3F—villanova-university
With modifications by: Jaime Jamison, Villanova University, October 2011
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