Rubber Egg Diffusion

This lab illustrates diffusion and osmosis through a semi-permeable membrane. A chicken egg is used as the model cell after using vinegar to dissolve the outer hard shell.  The soft-shelled eggs are then placed in water and in syrup to serve as hypotonic and hypertonic solutions.  Students collect data and draw conclusions.  Handouts, follow-up questions, and a grading rubric are provided. This experiment illustrates passive transport into a cell.  This lab could be used as an introduction or a closure activity where students are predicting what will happen with the eggs.  This lab activity directly relates to the u201cchecku201d of conducting an experiment to investigate different solute concentrations of water movement in cells.

Weblink address (URL): 
Rubber Egg Diffusion

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 
  • The student will interpret data from egg diffusion lab to explain the process of osmosis and diffusion.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • 1 raw egg 
  • 200 mL of distilled water
  • 200 mL of white vinegar
  • Balance
  • 1 graduated cylinder
  • 1-250 mL glass jar with lid
  • Paper towels
  • 200 mL of syrup (dark)
  • Weigh boats

Safety:

  • Wear goggles when pouring liquids

References

Contributors: 
Kelly Ramey
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation