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

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Standards Correlations

IB® Topics AP® Topics
1.1 1; 2

Featured Equipment

Temperature Link

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.

Temperature 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.

Support

Many lab activities can be conducted with our Wireless, PASPORT, or even ScienceWorkshop sensors and equipment. For assistance with substituting compatible instruments, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.

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