Diffusion across a Selectively Permeable Membrane

In the lab, Diffusion across a Selectively Permeable Membrane,  students investigate the effects of molecule size on diffusion across a synthetic selectively permeable membrane (dialysis tubing) and discuss applications to understanding the selectively permeable cell membrane.This activity includes a demonstration of osmosis (diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane).

Download Student Handout: PDF format or Word format

Download Teacher Preparation Notes: PDF format or Word format

We invite comments on this Hands-On Activity and the accompanying Teacher Preparation Notes, including suggestions for other teachers who are planning to use the activity, useful preparatory or follow-up activities, additional resources or any questions you have related to the activity, or a brief description of any problem you might have encountered. If you have a relevant Word document you would like to have posted on this comments page, such as a version of the protocol you have used in your classroom, or if you would prefer to send your comments or questions in a private message, please write Ingrid Waldron at iwaldron@sas.upenn.edu.

See also a complete list of activities:
Hands-on Activities for Teaching Biology to High School and Middle School Students