Name: __________________________________________________________ Date: _______________
Period: ____
Design Your Own: Osmosis Lab
Background: A laboratory assistant prepared solutions of 30% sucrose, 15% sucrose, and 0% sucrose, but forgot to label
the beakers. After realizing the error, the assistant randomly added food coloring to the different beakers so he could
differentiate between them.
Design an experiment using potato cubes that the assistant could use to match the color of the solution with the correct
sucrose concentration. Hint: think about the lab demonstrations/ experiments you have observed/ performed related
to osmosis!!!
Task: Design a controlled experiment that will quantitatively (with accurate measurements) reveal the sucrose
concentration of each colored solution.
In all, you will be responsible for:
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Designing a procedure for your experiment
Creating a data table to record your measurements
Answering questions pertaining to the experiment
*This will be graded using the DYO rubric*
Use the following outline to help you prepare:
Part A: Variables and Control
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
Control group:
Standardized variables:
Part B: Procedure
List your detailed procedure below.
Part C: Data Table
Create your data table and record your data below.
Part D: Analysis
1. Explain in terms of osmosis why some potatoes will lose mass and why some potatoes will gain mass.
2. What will happen to the potatoes placed in the 0% beaker? Explain why. Use proper terminology.
3. What will happen to the potatoes placed in the 30% beaker? Explain why. Use proper terminology.
4. What would you conclude if the potatoes placed in the beaker did not change in mass from Day 1 to Day 2?