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In this lab exercise, learners explore diffusion, cell membranes and particle size using beets and three alcohols. Generally, learners predict that smaller alcohols will permeate more quickly, and that higher concentrations will permeate more quickly than lower concentrations. As learners collect data, they will discover that their assumptions were wrong and begin to think critically about the nature of the composition of the membrane. This lesson guide includes data analysis questions for learners. The alcohols used in this lab are toxic and flammable; adult supervision and safety precautions recommended.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 14 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Data Analysis sheets
- water-washed beet cubes
- test tubes
- Methyl alcohol (2M, 4M, 8M)
- Ethyl alcohol (2M, 4M, 8M)
- n-propyl alcohol (2M, 4M, 8M)
- n-butyl alcohol (2M, 4M, 8M)
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
-
Cells
- Cell Structure and Function
-
Diversity of Life
- Plants
-
Cells
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Solutions
-
Chemistry
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
-
Measurement
- Rate
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Food and Cooking
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Vavala, Phil
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Access Excellence @ the National Health Museum, 2009