Investigating Human Respiration

Chemical and biological theories come to life in this natural continuation to the study of osmosis and diffusion (Lab-Aids Kit No. 22). In this activity, students use a colloidal solution of starch and sodium chloride to vividly observe dialysis. They also observe diffusion of a solute through a semi-permeable membrane. Students then remove an inorganic...

This kit allows students to qualitatively and quantitatively observe the catalytic effects of enzymes on the breakdown of starch into sugar. In Part 1, students use Starch Indicator (Lugol’s) Solution to provide evidence that enzymes play a critical role in the breakdown of starch. Part 2, a teacher demonstration, shows that the breakdown of...

This kit stimulates students' curiosity, model an important characteristic of cells, provide a hands-on experience, and develop good laboratory technique. In this activity, students test for the presence of starch and glucose and then use these tests to observe that some molecules can pass through a membrane while others can not. In conclusion, they...

An excellent and very interesting introduction to the metabolic process! This activity introduces students to the study of metabolism by measuring the rate of oxygen consumption of small organisms, such as insects, snails, worms, and germinating seeds. Using two unique Lab-Aids® Metabolism chambers (U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,737), students observe the organisms (not included)...

Students learn about major organs and systems in the human body. First, they complete an activity that explores their current knowledge and ideas about the sizes and locations of specific organs. Then, they group Organ and Structure Cards and explore the functions of several human body systems. Next, students create a three-dimensional model of...

Students are first introduced to lactose-intolerance and its cause. Next, they work in pairs to test whole milk and lactose-free milk for the presence of glucose. They find that glucose is present in lactose-free milk but is not present in whole milk. They then add lactase to the whole milk, retest it for glucose,...

Students use information provided in the text to develop physical models of proteins and carbohydrates. They use these models to explore the breakdown of food during digestion and the use of the resulting subunits as building blocks for human proteins (in the case of amino acids) or for making carbohydrates or generating usable energy ...

An excellent introduction to the science of genetics, this enjoyable Lab-Aid contains four simple and easy-to-follow investigations. Students study selected human traits that are controlled by a single pair of genes and then expand that study to include their lab partners, classmates and family members. The investigations begin by having students determine their phenotypes...

This Lab-Aid is a highly motivating and fun-filled series of activities that allows students to discover a variety of concepts about themselves through their own sense of taste. Using simple activities and working in teams, students study the relationship of smell to taste and how closely tied they are to each other. They then...