Overview
Explore Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration Using Algae Beads
Teaching General Biology?
See Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kit for General Biology
Compare KitsThe Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kit for AP Biology uses algae beads to explore the two fundamental processes that sustain life on Earth: photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Easier to use and set up than traditional leaf disk and respirometry labs, our algae beads are supplied premade, and the activities yield qualitative and/or quantitative results.
With this hands-on lab activity students see how the two seemingly opposing processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration work together in a single organism and dispel the common misconception that plants only photosynthesize and only animals perform cellular respiration — plants (and algae) do both! They then choose up to four inquiry investigation labs to investigate environmental factors that affect these processes.
How Algae Beads Work
See a time-lapse video of the color change,
posted by teacher Chris Chou.
Algae beads contain living unicellular algae encapsulated in a gel-like matrix. The algae perform photosynthesis and cellular respiration just like in nature. Students incubate the beads in an indicator solution that changes color when its pH changes. This solution is ideal for monitoring photosynthesis and cellular respiration because when gaseous CO2 dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid and changes the pH (and color) according to this equilibrium:
CO2 + H2O ⇔ H2CO3 ⇔ HCO3– + H+
This allows students to investigate both processes simultaneously and design experiments to identify the conditions under which each process is dominant.
Our algae beads are supplied premade and require only a simple wash and activation under light before they can be used — and reused — in the classroom. The bead size is designed for easily manipulation and optimum CO2 diffusion. This enables a visible color change of the indicator solution within minutes.
Designed for Inquiry
Refer to the Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kits YouTube Playlist for more videos to help you prepare for and teach this fun lab activity.
This Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kit is a ThINQ!™ Investigation designed to make students think through scientific discovery. Students complete the following activities:
- Three pre-lab activities — to review concepts and help students make cross-connections
- Six inquiry investigations:
- 2 structured inquiry investigations — to familiarize students with the core experiment and use of the scientific method
- 4 open/guided inquiry investigations — to lead students through asking scientific questions, designing experiments, and analyzing results
- AP-style post-lab assessment question — to test student learning
- Science case study — to apply student knowledge in real-world science scenarios
Comprehensive and Supportive Educational Materials
The Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kit for AP Biology includes detailed lesson plans, student worksheets, and teacher guides that align with AP Biology Standards.
- Instructor Guide (provided as a printed guide with the kit) helps you lead your class through multiple levels of inquiry and includes answers to questions in the Student Manual
- Planning Guide includes timelines and lists of required materials
- Student Manual, Core Lab Quick Guide, and Experimental Design and Planning Worksheet help students plan and execute their experiments
- Teacher Model Process provides insight into how inquiry may look in your classroom and highlights common issues students may encounter
Which Kit is Right for You?
Bio-Rad offers two different lab activity kits using the algae bead system. Refer to the table below to select the kit that is right for your classroom.
| For AP Biology (17001238EDU) | For General Biology (12005534EDU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Kit contents | 170 algae beads, 50 ml 10x CO2 indicator solution, disposable cuvettes, and all other consumables needed | 170 algae beads, 50 ml 10x CO2 indicator solution, 0.2 ml PCR tubes, and all other consumables needed |
| Workstations | Supports 8 workstations (up to 32 students) to perform pre-lab and 6 inquiry activities | Supports 24 workstations (up to 96 students) to perform pre-lab model development and one inquiry sequence |
| Assay format | Experiments use 10 algae beads per disposable cuvette | Experiments use 3 algae beads per PCR tube |
| Curriculum level | AP Biology | General Biology |
| Learning focus | Experimental design and quantitative data collection | Observing and developing explanations for phenomena; 3-dimensional learning |
Specifications
(2-4 students per workstation)
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Refills
Pkg of 1, 170 algae beads, 50 ml 10x CO2 indicator, and 20 ml debeading solution for use with Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kit (17001238EDU); education use only. Requires storage at 4°C.
120 V, 6 L water bath, ambient to 100°C, includes stainless steel tank and gable cover, over-temperature protection, non-mercury thermometer, CE approved; education use only
Pkg of 500, nonsterile; education use only. Note: This item is now available under the new material number 12021151EDU. For future orders please proceed here.
Pkg of 100, 3.5 ml cuvette; education use only