In this lab, students will:

  • Learn about the electromagnetic spectrum and how we see color
  • Discover how a spectrophotometer detects absorbance of light
  • Discuss parts of the plant cell, including the function of the vacuole
  • Analyze data by constructing graphs
  • Form a conclusion based on experimental results
  • Build a model cell using dialysis tubing
  • Explore how a cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell
  • Observe typical animal and plant cells using a compound microscope

Standards:

  • 6-PS4-2: Develop and Use a Model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through the object, depending on the object’s material and the frequency (color) of light.
  • 6-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts of the cells contribute to the function

Typical Schedule*:

9:00 – 9:15 Arrive/walk to the lab
9:30 Start lab (up to 64 students**)
11:30 – 11:45 End lab

*Schedule can be adjusted to meet your school’s needs
**If you have more than 64 students, see large group schedule

Typical Large Group Schedule*:

9:00 – 9:15 Arrive/walk to the lab
9:30 – 11:30 Lab for A group** (up to 64 students)
11:30 – 12:30 Switch groups
12:30 – 2:30 Lab for B group*** (up to 64 students)
2:30 Depart

*Schedule can be adjusted to meet your school’s needs
**B group participates in another campus activity; school chaperones arrange
***A group participates in another campus activity; school chaperones arrange