Encourage tinkering with ideas, relationships, connections. Set up situations where students have to find information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for students to design open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so students can plan a unique "proof" of learning.

Students generate list of everyday products that use enzymes.

Objective: To have the students take what they have learned about enzymes and apply it in a creative way that capitalizes on their understanding.

Activity: Working in groups of five, the students generate a list of everyday products which they know or suspect use enzymes. Detergents and contact lense cleansers are obvious and excellent examples. One large whole-class list is compiled and different students volunteer to write to some of the different manufacturers of the products for information on the enzyme activity, and if possible, the process used to test for it. While waiting for the manufacturing companies to respond, the groups are given, in class, one lab period to design a new commercial/advertisement for a product of their choice in which the role of the enzymes is emphasized. The commercial should have a brief segment which explains to the public what an enzyme is. Out of class time may be used to actually video the commercial or if it's for a magazine, the layout can possibly be done on a desktop publishing computer. This project allows for a variety of talents: writing, drawing, video-making, computer expertise, acting to be utilized.

Assessment: Diligence, progress, and involvement of each member of the group in working on the commercial.