Now turn the page and look at "The chemistry of life" in the same book. See the diagram/photograph of the carbon cycle? What is metabolism?
Now let's read from General Science, starting on page 304, and discussing the different forms of carbohydrates (studying the diagrams there). Work out the names for the simple and complex carbohydrates.
So where do we get carbohydrates?
Sugar - fruit, fruit juice, table sugar, honey, soft drinks, and other sweets
Starch - bread, cereal, potatoes, pasta, rice, and legumes (dried peas and beans)(This list and other ideas taken from a lesson plan at Utah Education Network.)
Fiber - bran, whole-grain foods, raw vegetables and fruit (especially the seeds and skins), legumes, nuts, seeds and popcorn
Make a list of your ten favourite "carbohydrate" foods. Mark down which ones are simple and which ones are complex. (Use the chart provided.) Does it matter to us if we eat more simple or more complex carbohydrates? Why? Here's one answer.
Cartoon found here.