Life Science | Potato Lab Sheet

Name _______________________________________

"Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head Visit Our Science Class"

A Lab Activity to show the effects of plain and salt water on potato slices and their cell structure …

In this lab exercise you will see how plant cells have the ability to take in or release water through their cell walls. You should read through the "Launch Lab Activity" on page 65 however you should be aware that our lab has several components that are not part of the activity in your book. We will be using potato instead of carrots!

You will be responsible for recording all materials that you use along with procedures and observations. You should take notes on the back of this sheet for use later when you put together your lab report for this lesson.

Step #1 - Make a listing of all equipment/materials that are part of this lab.

Step #2 - Place 250 ml. of water in both the blue and red bowls. After a few minutes take the temperature of the water in each bowl and record those in your notes.

Step #3 - Weigh out 15 grams of salt as shown to you in the lab demonstration.

Step #4 - Gradually add the salt to the water in the red bowl. Once all of the salt is dissolved in the water take the temperature of the water a second time and note any difference.

Step #5 - Obtain two slices of potato for each of your bowls. Be sure to weigh each set of potato slices and record this value.

Step #6 - Place the (2) potato slices into each of the bowls and note the time. You must observe your potato slices for a minimum of 20 minutes. Be sure to note any changes that you observe and when they occur (noting the length of time). Never take your eyes off Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head as they are not good swimmers!

Step #7 - After the 20 minute period remove your potato slices from each bowl and pad dry with the paper towels. Make as many observations as you can about the two potato samples (color, texture, flexibility, etc.)

Step #8 - Weight each sample of potato so you can compare it to your original weight before you placed them into the bowls.

Step #9 - This is the most important step - make sure you clean up your area and put everything away where it belongs. If you have any questions at all about where to put things be sure to ask me!

Step #10 - As mentioned earlier, you will be preparing a Lab Report for this lesson. You will need to pay close attention to our class discussion of the results of this lab so you will have the necessary information for your report.

Mr. Potato Head

Good luck with the activity and have fun learning about cell processes!