Ward's® Diffusion And Cell Size Kit

With this kit, students visualize an abstract concept In under 15 minutes.

• Pre- and post-laboratory assessments included
• Kit teaches students to recognize relationships between cells' size and their volume
• Material for 15 setups
• Estimated lab time: 45 minutes
• Class-sized kit
• Aligned to NGSS standards (MS/HS: LS1)

Students simulate “cells” by using agar blocks to illustrate the relationship between the size of the cell and its volume. In the process, students predict outcomes by varying the cell size, measuring the rates of diffusion, and learning about factors that affect the rates of diffusion across a cell membrane.

This innovative procedure requires no titrations and uses completely safe solutions. The class-sized kit comes with a teacher’s guide, a student copymaster, and material for 15 setups.

The kit is also available for purchase with a link to a NewPath digital lesson, which includes a variety of resources on the topic, including background information, illustrations and self-assessments.

Ordering information: This kit includes phenolphthalein agar powder, diffusion medium (vinegar), plastic knives, plastic spoons, plastic cups, rectangular trays, NaOH (sodium hydroxide) solution, metric rulers, and plastic gloves. Paper towels and safety goggles are needed but not included. A coupon is included for perishable materials.