This middle school cell membrane activity investigates the question, “Is a cell membrane permeable?” using easy and cheap supermarket supplies!
⭐ Get this lab at a HUGE DISCOUNT in my complete CELLS UNIT! ⭐
In this activity, students will:
- Remove the shell of a chicken egg by soaking it in vinegar for 2 days. This creates a model of a cell that can be used to test the permeability of the cell membrane.
- Measure the mass and circumference of the eggs.
- Place the egg in 3 different liquids (sugar water, tap water, and saltwater).
- After the eggs have soaked, they measure the change in mass and circumference of each egg.
- Answer questions in an analysis section, including a claims/evidence/reasoning grid.
This procedure is sometimes used to discuss osmosis/diffusion and hypertonic/hypotonic solutions, but this one DOES NOT mention these concepts. This lab focuses on the permeability of the membrane in general.
Teacher Notes:
- Get everything you need to teach cells and organelles in my CELLS UNIT!
- Answer key included.
- Please note that this cell membrane activity is not editable.
- A printable tape measure is included in the download.
- NGSS Standard: MS-LS1-2
- NGSS Science & Engineering Practice: Developing and using models; Planning and carrying out investigations; Engaging in argument from evidence
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Related Standards:
- NGSS MS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
