Title: (examples: Osmosis in Plant Tissue / or / Osmosis in Potato Tuber Cells: The Weighing Method) Name:.

Lab Partners: .. Date:

Introduction: (A paragraph giving detailed background information on the topic and the purpose of the investigation. Use the Theory/Research Questions and Aim to write your introductory paragraph)

Theory and Research Questions (A few questions to research and answer before starting the lab. Answering these will also develop your introductory paragraph.) 1. Define osmosis and concentration gradient. 2. Discuss tonicity of water and net movement of water between plant cells and solution. 3. How will the weights and lengths of the potato cylinders change in each concentration of NaCl solution. 4. How will the weights and lengths of the potato cylinders vary between the potatoes placed in different concentrations of solutions? 5. How does the concentration gradient affect diffusion rate?

Aim: (A sentence stating the purpose of the lab or what the scientist wants to accomplish in the lab) o Example Aim: To observe the osmotic effect of different sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations on potatoes.

Hypothesis: (A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things work. A hypothesis can usually be written as an If______ Then______ statement. A hypothesis should be something that you can actually test - called a testable hypothesis. In other words, you need to be able to measure both "what you do" and "what will happen.")

o Example Hypothesis: If the concentration of salt increases, then the mass and length of the potato will
decrease. However, if the concentration of the solution in the beaker is less than that of the potato (such as distilled water), then the mass of the potato will increase.

Variables: (A variable is a factor that can influence the outcome of an experiment or factors that can affect a tests outcome. Experiments usually have three variables: dependent, independent and controlled) 1. Dependent - the dependent variable is the response that is measured. It is what the investigator thinks will be affected during the experiment. 2. Independent - the independent variable is the variable that is varied or manipulated by the researcher. It is what the investigator thinks will affect the dependent variable 3. Control The control of an experiment is the variable, which you keep constant. Since the investigator wants to study the effect of one particular independent variable, the possibility that other factors are affecting the outcome must be eliminated

Materials (A list of all materials used in lab) 1. Big potato 2. Cork borer 3. Exacto Knife 4. Ruler 5. Paper towel 6. Four different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. 7. One Stirring rod 8. Four small beakers 9. One Electronic balance

Method (A step-by-step process; can be replicated exactly by other scientists. The procedure may be a list but in complete sentences) 1. Label four beakers with four different concentrations of salt solutions. (0% NaCl solution (distilled water), 5% NaCl solution, 10% NaCl solution, and 15% NaCl solution). 2. Fill the four beakers with the correct amount of salt solution previously labeled. 3. With the cork borer, cut twelve cylinders of potato. 4. Cut the ends of the potato cylinders, making them even on the edges. 5. Measure the initial (pre-immersion) lengths of all the potato cylinders and record the data in a data table. 6. Weigh the potato cylinders on an electronic balance and record their initial (pre-immersion) masses in a data table. 7. Insert three potato cylinders into each labeled beaker. (There should be three potato cylinders per beaker) 8. Record the date and time of potato cylinder immersion. 9. Leave the potatoes in the beakers for 45 minutes.

10. After 45 minutes, take out all potato cylinders and record date and time of extraction. 11. Blot the potatoes with paper towel removing excess water. 12. Weigh the potato cylinders on an electronic balance and record their final (post-immersion) mass in a data table. 13. Measure the final (post-immersion) length of all the potato cylinders and record the data in a data table. 14. The potato cylinders should be placed on three different labeled blotting papers. One blotting paper should be used for each set of four potato cylinders. The labels should indicate the sodium chloride solution they were immersed in. 15. Calculate the average percent change in mass and length of the potato cylinders. 16. For this investigation you are required to write a full report with a date and title, introduction, hypothesis, variables, materials, methods, data collection, data processing, conclusion and evaluation. (Note: This lab will be marked against IB criteria. Read IB Biology Guide pages 21-29 on Internal Assessment Criteria)

Data Collection (A record of raw data includes tables, annotated drawings, & observations. Raw data is actual data measured) 1. Record raw data in a table. (Use appropriate significant figures, units, and levels of uncertainty for quantitative reading) 2. Record observations. (You can make a note of observations pre- and post- potato immersion)

Data Processing (Includes the presentation of raw data graphically or as a table, and calculations of change, proportion, percentage or other statistical value if needed) 1. Calculate the following: For mass: a. calculate the percent change in mass of each potato cylinder. Calculation for percent change in mass (Final mass) (Initial Mass) x 100 = percent change in mass Initial Mass b. calculate the average change in mass: Calculations for average percent change: (%change1 + %change2 + %change3) = average percent change in mass 3 For length: a. calculate the percent change in length of each potato cylinder. Calculation for percent change in length (final length) (initial length) x 100 = percent change in length initial length b. calculate the average change in mass: Calculations for average percent change: (%change1 + %change2 + %change3) = average percent change in length

3 2. Record your calculated data in a data table. 3. Graph the average percent change for both mass and length via a line graph using Microsoft Excel.

Conclusion (Describe your results in written form) 1. State a conclusions based on the findings (analyze your processed data and draw a conclusion). 2. Justify/explain your conclusion with a reasonable interpretation of the data. (What do the result show? Are there any trends? What can you interpret from the results? Relate your comments back to processed data tables and graphs) 3. Justify your conclusion and findings using appropriate literature. (Is your conclusion right? Is your conclusion wrong? Can you explain any unexpected results? Compare your experimental results with textbook or literature values. The literature consulted should be fully referenced.)

Evaluation (Evaluate/assess your experiment) 1. Evaluate the method, errors, limitations, and weaknesses. (What are the sources of error in my method, manipulation, and/or analysis? Comments about the precision and accuracy of the measurements are relevant here. When evaluating the procedure used, specifically look at the processes, use of equipment and management of time.) 2. Suggest realistic improvements in respect of identified weaknesses and limitations (suggestions should be based on the weaknesses and limitations identified in aspect 2. Address modifications to experimental techniques and data range. Modifications should be realistic and clear - ex. do not state generally that more precise equipment needs to be used you must be more specific)