Skip to main content
  • Cell Size And Diffusion (Diffusion)

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this activity is to help students understand passive transport in cells (i.e., diffusion and osmosis) and how the size of a cell can impact the time it takes for important molecules to diffuse through a…

  • Osmosis and Diffusion

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this lab investigation is to introduce the concept of osmosis and help students understand “Why Do Red Blood Cells Appear Bigger After Being Exposed to Distilled Water?” This lab investigation will also…

  • Designer Diffusion Lab

    Book Chapter |

    This high school life science lesson has the following learning goals for students: plan a lab procedure to explain diffusion in and out of cells; collect and record relevant data using appropriate methods; and…

  • Movement of Molecules In or Out of Cells (Osmosis and Diffusion)

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this activity is to help students understand the process of osmosis and to understand how a cell membrane acts as a selective barrier. This activity also helps students learn how to engage in practices…

  • Exploring Osmosis and Diffusion in Cells

    Journal Article |

    Guided inquiry is an instructional technique that requires students to answer a teacher-proposed research question, design an investigation, collect and analyze data, and then develop a conclusion (Bell, Smetana, and…

  • Classic Lessons 2.0: Diffusion in Action

    Journal Article |

    This column shares updated perennial classroom favorites. Investigating the surface area–to-volume ratio in cells.

  • Tried and True: Osmosis and Diffusion Through a Semipermeable Membrane

    Journal Article |

    This column provides classic demonstrations and experiments with a new twist. This month’s issue covers engaging ways to help students understand the concepts of osmosis and diffusion and semipermeable membranes in…

  • Case Study: From Gummy Bears to Celery Stalks: Diffusion and Osmosis

    Journal Article |

    This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. This month’s issue covers diffusion and osmosis.

  • Embracing Learner’s Ideas About Diffusion and Osmosis: A Coupled-Inquiry Approach

    Journal Article |

    Learning about osmosis and diffusion is often a challenging task for middle school students. Here the authors present a lesson that was converted from a “cookbook” lab (McLaughlin and Thompson 2007) into a more inquiry-…

Asset 2