LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Plasmolysis in Elodea plant cells

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=106

A lesson plan for Grades 9–12 Biology and Advanced Placement Biology

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

About this resource

Appropriate grades
9–12
Subjects
science (biology and life science), thinking skills (higher order thinking, research skills)
Provider
American Association for the Advancement of Science

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In this lesson students microscopically observe various subcellular components and determine the effects of different salt solutions on Elodea plant cells. After studying the cell membrane and cell wall, students participate in an experiment, which challenges them to use this new knowledge. By conducting this lab, students will be able to develop an operational understanding of plasmolysis, as well as reinforce their understanding of osmosis and diffusion. There are pre-, during-, and post-lab questions that guide students through the activity. Science NetLinks provides student handouts, detailed instructions for completing the activity, and links to three websites that detail the function of cell membranes and cell walls. The lesson plan also suggests extension activities and lists other helpful web resources.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grades 9–12 — Advanced Placement Biology

  • Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify questions and create hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.02: Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions.
      • Create testable hypotheses.
      • Identify variables.
      • Use a control or comparison group when appropriate.
      • Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
      • Collect and record data.
      • Organize data into charts and graphs.
      • Analyze and interpret data.
      • Communicate findings.
    • Objective 1.03: Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence to:
      • Explain observations.
      • Make inferences and predictions.
      • Explain the relationship between evidence and explanation.
  • Goal 2: The learner will develop an understanding of cells as the structural and functional units of life.
    • Objective 2.02: Analyze cellular membranes.
      • Structure and function.
      • Variations.
      • Investigate mechanisms of transport.
      • Recommended laboratory - Diffusion and Osmosis

Grades 9–12 — Biology

  • Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify biological questions and problems that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.02: Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions.
      • Create testable hypotheses
      • Identify variables.
      • Use a control or comparison group when appropriate.
      • Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
      • Collect and record data.
      • Organize data into charts and graphs.
      • Analyze and interpret data.
      • Communicate findings.
    • Objective 1.03: Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models of biological phenomena using logic and evidence to:
      • Explain observations.
      • Make inferences and predictions.
      • Explain the relationship between evidence and explanation.
  • Goal 2: The learner will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life.
    • Objective 2.02: Investigate and describe the structure and functions of cells including:
      • Cell organelles.
      • Cell specialization.
      • Communication among cells within an organism.
    • Objective 2.03: Investigate and analyze the cell as a living system including:
      • Maintenance of homeostasis.
      • Movement of materials into and out of cells.
      • Energy use and release in biochemical reactions.
    • Objective 2.04: Investigate and describe the structure and function of enzymes and explain their importance in biological systems.