Cell Surface Size Activity
This is a multi-day lesson plan that could be used in whole or part. Part one begins with constructing cubes and calculating volume, perimeter, and surface area. Part two involves using phenolphthalein agar blocks and sodium hydroxide to mimic movement of materials into a cell, and part three involves creating a spreadsheet to calculate volume – surface area ratio. Students explore the connection between cell size and functionality to establish the need for cells to undergo division. This knowledge connects to cell organelle functions and movement of materials across the cell membrane.
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