AP Biology Investigation #4 - Diffusion and Osmosis

Experiment kit designed to help students understand diffusion and osmosis Students will observe the principles of diffusion and osmosis in a variety of ways, using agar cubes, dialysis, microscopy, and more Kit contains enough material for 8 groups, including chemicals, and student exercise copymasters This experiment is designed for use in AP Biology classrooms and coursework, and meets AP Science Practices 2, 4, and 5, as well as Big Idea 2 Safety data sheets included to inform safe storage and maintenance of chemicals Students will study the movement of water and nutrients across a cell membrane and observe osmosis in living tissue. They will then investigate the relationship between surface area and volume as it relates to cells and diffusion. They will also examine the concept of molarity and how it relates to osmotic potential and the movement of water. Students will also be able to explain how cell size and shape affect the overall rate of nutrient intake and water elimination.