Fuel for Living Things

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In this activity, learners observe what happens when yeast cells are provided with a source of food (sugar). Red cabbage "juice" will serve as an indicator for the presence of carbon dioxide. Learners will observe how carbon dioxide gas is given off by yeast cells, as indicated by turning the mixture bright pink. This activity is broken up in three parts or sessions: making the indicator (can be done in advance), demonstration of cabbage juice indicator, and conducting the investigation.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Tsp of baking soda
  • Vinegar, a few drops
  • 2 cups, 9-oz clear plastic
  • 2 spoons or coffee stirrers
  • 1/2 to 1 cup warm water
  • Clear, resealable plastic bag, 4 in. x 6 in.
  • Handful of raw, finely sliced red or purple cabbage
  • Tsp of dry yeast
  • Tsp of sugar

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Diversity of Life
      • Protists and Fungi
    • Ecology
      • Energy Flow and Chemical Cycles
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Acids and Bases
      • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Moreno, Nancy P. ; Tharp, Barbara Z. ; Dresden, Judith

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Baylor College of Medicine, 2011

Funding Sources:

  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), R25 ES06932
  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), R25 ES010698