Prelude to the Case

This “clicker case” introduces students to basic principles of metabolism and energy through a biochemical analysis of the components of the commonly available “energy drinks” that many students frequently purchase at relatively high prices. Through this case, students learn to define energy in a biological/nutritional context, identify valid biochemical sources of energy, discuss how foods are metabolized to generate ATP, and critically evaluate marketing claims for various energy drinks. The case can be used in introductory level courses to introduce these principles, or it can be used as a review of basic biochemistry and nutrition for upper-level students in nutrition, physiology, or biochemistry courses.

The case study is presented in class via PowerPoint, with multiple-choice questions sprinkled throughout the “lecture.” Students are expected to answer the questions as they arise using their clickers. The use of clickers in combination with case studies is described in greater detail in the article “Clicker” Cases: Introducing Case Study Teaching Into Large Classrooms.

Go to the PowerPoint presentation (~2.3 MB)

Go to the teaching notes

Date Posted: January 29, 2009.