Overview
Note:
This kit can be modified to accommodate at-home use as well as individual workstations.
Download instructions for modification.
Teach Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration with Algae Beads (Algal Balls)
This fun, hands-on, and interactive lab activity examines the two fundamental processes that sustain life on Earth: photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students use algae beads and a pH indicator solution to explore how these processes are connected and dispel the common misconception that plants only photosynthesize and only animals perform cellular respiration — plants (and algae) do both!
See a time-lapse video of the color change.
How Algae Beads Work
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.
Engaging Hands-On Learning
Perfect for hands-on learning, algae beads turn the indicator purple in the light and yellow in the dark to clearly demonstrate photosynthesis and cellular respiration in real time. All materials are safe to use, so students can (and will want to) continue their experimentation even after the lab is over.
Premade, Reliable, & Reusable Algae Beads
Bio-Rad algae beads are supplied premade and are optimized to be:
- Easy to use — algae beads require only a simple wash and activation under light
- Durable — can be stored for 3 months or longer in the refrigerator
- Reusable — both the beads and the indicator are reusable, offering an economical and sustainable option for multiple classes
- Fast — designed for fast CO2 diffusion, our algae beads produce a visible color change of the indicator solution within minutes!
Bio-Rad’s rigorous quality control measures and optimized protocols ensure the effectiveness and reliability of our algae beads. This means you can trust that you are getting a superior product backed by a company with a reputation for excellence in the scientific community.
Refer to the Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kits YouTube Playlist for videos to help you prepare for and teach this fun lab activity.
Comprehensive & Supportive Educational Materials
The Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kit for General Biology includes detailed lesson plans, student worksheets, and teacher guides that provide clear, step-by-step instructions and align with the Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS) and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). YouTube videos, webinars, workshops, and other teaching resources are also available to help you bring this fun and engaging lab into your classroom.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe phenomena and develop models to illustrate understanding
- Discover connections between the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis and cellular respiration
- Explore how organisms might sense and adapt to changes in their environment
Which Kit Is Right for Your Classroom?
Bio-Rad offers two different lab activity kits using algae beads. Refer to the table below to select the kit that is right for your classroom.
| Item | For General Biology (12005534EDU) |
For AP Biology (17001238EDU) |
|---|---|---|
| Kit contents | 170 algae beads, 50 ml 10x CO2 indicator solution, 0.2 ml PCR tubes, and all other consumables needed | 170 algae beads, 50 ml 10x CO2 indicator solution, disposable cuvettes, and all other consumables needed |
| Workstations | Supports 24 workstations (up to 96 students) to perform pre-lab model development and one inquiry sequence | Supports 8 workstations (up to 32 students) to perform pre-lab and 6 inquiry activities |
| Assay format | Experiments use 3 algae beads per PCR tube | Experiments use 10 algae beads per disposable cuvette |
| Curriculum level | General Biology | AP Biology |
| Learning focus | Observing and developing explanations for phenomena; 3-dimensional learning | Experimental design and quantitative data collection |
Related Products
ThINQ! Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kit for AP Biology
* Next Generation Science Standards is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.
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Photosynthesis and cellular respiration kit includes answer key, algae beads, 10x CO2 indicator solution, debeading solution, PCR tubes, disposable plastic transfer pipets, and indicator color guides for 24 student workstations; education use only
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.
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.
