Metabolism Experiment Kit
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) and draw correlations between size of an organism, the temperature of the environment and oxygen consumption. They then calculate an organism’s respiratory rate in cubic cm of oxygen per kg per hour, measure total gas change in a closed environment, and determine an organism’s metabolic relationship to total gas in a closed environment. Students also receive valuable practice in recording and retaining experimental data.
Details at a Glance
- 1 Day | 1 ~50 minute class period
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates 1 class, with 2 groups of 5 students
- Consumables service 10 students
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
•Observe small organisms and correlate between size of organism, temperature of environment, and oxygen consumption
•Measure rate of oxygen consumption of small organisms
•Measure total gas change in a closed environment
•Utilize controlled experiments to understand the metabolic process
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Comprehensive Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis items
- Materials necessary for the investigation (beyond common classroom items)
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 2 Lab-Aids Metabolism Chamber with latticed organism holder
- 2 Capillary tube assembly, calibrated
- 1 Bottle of Carbon dioxide absorbent (Potassium hydroxide pellets)
- 1 Pair of Forceps
- 1 Vial of Index solution, colored
- 10 Student Data Cards
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with SDS packet
- Not included and needed for instruction: Class set of safety eyewear, class set of microscopes.