Metabolism Experiment
kit #55
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. This kit is complete for up to 10 students.
- 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
Content List in Metabolism Experiment is as follows:
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 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 |
- Number of students
- maximum of 10
- Number of groups
- 2
- Number of students per group
- maximum of 5
- Number of uses with 2 groups
- maximum of 5
To complete this kit requires one (or more) ~50-minute class period.
