Part of Lesson Plan: Solutions, Measurements and Data Analysis - Olson

Activity Overview / Details

This lab can be altered to illustrate a variety of different topics; cellular respiration, fermentation, measurements, microorganisms, solutions and dilutions.  It is presently written as a review to solutions and measurements.

As students walk into class there will be a collection of solutions in beakers.  The solutions can be anything from; coffee, soda, water, Kool-aid, tea or just water and food coloring.  The question on the board reads, " Which one of these solution contains the most sugar?"  The discussion will most likely lead to tasting the solutions.  However, any teacher worth their salt knows that you never taste solutions in the lab. So the follow up question is," How can we prove which solution has the most sugar in it?"  Allow the students to discuss this question at their tables for a moment and then share any ideas. 

Once everyone has had a chance to share, introduce the lab.  In the discussions make sure to address concepts key to the lab; scientific method, measurements and cellular respiration