Bacterial Fermentation of Carbohydrates

  • Uploaded By: eamckenn
  • For Citation:McKenney, E., Ott, L., French, K., and Shoaf, P. 2022. Bacterial Fermentation of Carbohydrates Activity.
  • Description:This is an activity that can be implemented in-class or remotely that explores how the gut microbiome digests and ferments carbohydrates (amylose, amylopectin, cellulose) to produce short chain fatty acids. This activity employs both tactile teaching tools (K’nex pieces to build carbohydrates), a card deck with gut microbial organisms, and guided-inquiry questions.
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Lesson Overview

This is an activity that can be implemented in-class or remotely that explores how the gut microbiome digests and ferments carbohydrates (amylose, amylopectin, cellulose) to produce short chain fatty acids. This activity employs both tactile teaching tools (K’nex pieces to build carbohydrates), a card deck with gut microbial organisms, and guided-inquiry questions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this activity, students should be able to:

  1. Compare the role of different bacteria in the digestion of different carbohydrates
  2. Explain the process by which bacteria ferment carbohydrates to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA)
  3. Predict the consequences of different diets and bacteria in the digestive system for overall health

    4. Individual File Downloads

  4. Kit Assembly Instructions (for instructor)
  5. Kit Instructions (for students)
  6. Digital Playground (for remote instruction)
  7. Remote Card Deck (for remote instruction)
  8. Guided Reading Questions (GRQ) Document
  9. Guided Inquiry Worksheet
  10. Pre-lesson Video Slides
  11. In-class Activity Slide