Valuing Probeware and Energy in Biology (9-12th Grade)

In this particular proposal, I plan to purchase materials, lab and probeware basics, for students to complete an investigation and analysis on the major biological concept of cellular nutrition and energy obtainment.
In the investigation students will understand that fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend on a variety of chemical reactions that occur in specialized areas of the organism’s cells. The class will learn how food supplies energy for all animals—without it we could not live. The quantity of energy stored in food is of great interest to humans. The energy our body needs for running, talking, and thinking comes from the foods we eat. Not all foods contain the same amount of energy, nor are all foods equally nutritious for us. Students can determine energy content of food by burning a portion of it and capturing the heat released to a known amount of water. This technique is called calorimetry. The lab equipment, temperature probes, and Vernier interfaces will be used in this procedure in order to examine and determine nutritional value of various sources.
In a second component of energy study, student focus will turn to how individual cells get and maintain energy. Students will use the floating leaf disk method to study the effects of light intensity and CO2 availability on the rate of photosynthesis. I will supply fresh, green leaves for the activity. Students will use syringes to create vaccums and will be abel to monitor gas production as a by product. Students will need the indoor tabletop grow light, but will also have direct window access to add to the inquiry element of light type influencing the amount of energy generated.