Cell Size
Students use temperature probes to measure the effect of cell size on cell cooling rate using cubes of potato tissue.
Students model the effect of cell size on cell cooling rate using cubes of potato tissue. Potato cubes of different sizes are placed in ice water and multiple temperature probes are used to simultaneously measure the interior temperature of each cube and the temperature of the ice bath. Students determine if and how the difference in cooling rates relates to the difference in surface-area-to-volume ratios (SA:V) of the cubes. Students then consider variables other than size that might affect the SA:V ratio and design an experiment that tests the effect of that variable on the cooling rate of a cell, using potato tissue to model the cell.
Grade Level: Advanced Placement
Subject: Biology
Student Files
| Cell Size | 311.35 KB | |
| Cell Size | 466.11 KB | |
| Cell Size | 5.43 KB |
Teacher Files
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Standards Correlations
| IB® Topics | AP® Topics |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | 1; 2 |
Featured Equipment
Wireless Temperature Sensor Link
The Wireless Temperature Link enables wireless connection for any PASCO temperature probe with a 3.5-mm connection. This wireless temperature sensor is compatible with our fast response temperature probe that connects to the front of the sensor.
Wireless Temperature Sensor
The Wireless Temperature Sensor is a general-purpose sensor found in many science labs. With a rugged, waterproof design and a long-lasting battery, students can spend more time collecting data and less time dealing with equipment.
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