Osmosis and Diffusion Lab

Grades 7-12.

This lab allows students to learn about two forms of passive transport: osmosis and diffusion. Students will compare and contrast similarities and differences in the processes of osmosis and diffusion. They will use a colorimetric test to demonstrate the movement of a solute across a semi-permeable membrane. Students will then set up an environment likely to facilitate osmosis and gather data to determine whether or not osmosis may have occurred. Enough materials for 15 groups. Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.A

Performance Expectations: MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3, HS-LS1-2, HS-LS1-3

Cross Cutting Concepts: Systems and System Models, Structure and Function, Stability and Change

Engineering Practices: Developing and Using Models, Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Kit includes:

• 30 pieces of dialysis tubing
• Starch capsule (to make 100 ml of 1.0% solution)
• Bottle of sucrose (to make 100 ml of 0.5M solution)
• 15 ml iodine/potassium iodide solution
• 30 plastic cups

* Next Generation Science Standards is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.