Cell Biology 101 for Advanced High School Classes
This package includes our two OsmoBeaker® labs, which use engaging simulated experiments to dispel common misconceptions about the molecular-level processes underlying osmosis and diffusion. The package also includes the Mitosis & Meiosis Demystified™ interactive tutorial programs that are full of information, animations, videos and images exploring the cell cycle.
The laboratories in our Cell Biology 101 package are also included in our Complete 101 Collection. If you or your colleagues also teach Advanced Biology, the school-wide Complete 101 Collection is a great choice!
Cell Biology 101 Labs
OsmoBeaker: DiffusionThis lab confronts common misconceptions about diffusion using engaging simulated molecular-level experiments. The lab first focuses students' attention on how individual molecules move under different conditions. It then sets up a fun experiment that allows them to explore whether nerve cells could use diffusion to move materials from the cell body to the synapses at the tips of their axons. Students run races in axons of different lengths and record how long it takes for "peptide" molecules to diffuse down their length. They also run "races" between peptides that start among high concentrations of other peptides and peptides that start surrounded only by water. By the end of the lab, students not only uncover the need for cellular and organ level transport mechanisms, but also overcome some commonly held misconceptions (see our Publications page for details). Key Concepts: Diffusion; Overcoming common misconceptions; Randomness |
OsmoBeaker: OsmosisThis popular lab puts students in the role of a doctor providing intravenous fluids to a patient. They must compose an intravenous fluid that does not cause the patient's red blood cells to expand or shrink. Using simulated cells, students explore osmosis with no, one, two, and many solutes. In the process of exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms of osmosis and osmotic pressure, students manipulate concentrations and conduct experiments to investigate what is meant by "dynamic equilibrium" and throughout the lab use quantitative reasoning to predict experimental outcomes. See our Publications page to read how this lab successfully conquers misconceptions! One caveat: students who have trouble with ratios may need assistance. Key Concepts: Equilibrium; Osmosis; Overcoming common misconceptions |
Mitosis & Meiosis DemystifiedThese two interactive tutorials, one on mitosis, the other on meiosis, were created by the University of Amsterdam. These are among the best interactive tutorials we've seen. Among our favorite features are a circular cell cycle diagram with a cell whose DNA contents change as you drag it, a series of microscope images of the mitotic stages arranged on an interactive time-line, with a rotating 3-D view of each, a beautiful movie of the full cell cycle in an animal cell with a synchronous animated key, self-tests that return you to the appropriate spot in the tutorial for wrong answers, and much more. Key Concepts: Cell cycle; Meiosis; Mitosis |
*AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.
"...Once I started I had a hard time shutting (the Mitosis and Meiosis DeMystified tutorials) down. They were fun and informative. I can't look at grapefruit the same way anymore!"