1 of 10

The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Beet Box: Exploring the Limits of Cell Size

2 of 10

Beet Box: Exploring the Limits of Cell Size

​

​

A 6-9th grade STEM lesson

Bryce Wolcott

12/10/2023

3 of 10

Notes for teachers

In this lab, we will investigate the geometric limit on cell size due to the nature of transport across the cell membrane, and the relationship between surface area and volume.

List of Materials

  • Beet
  • Knife
  • Spoon
  • Gloves
  • Bleach
  • Paper plate
  • Paper towel
  • Goggles
  • Ruler
  • Timer
  • Glass cup
  • Calculator

4 of 10

Standards

7.L1U1.10 - Develop and use a model to explain how cells, tissues, and organ systems maintain life (animals).

​

​

​

​

​

​

  • ​
  • ​
  • Asking Questions and Defining Problems
  • Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
  • Developing and Using Models
  • Analyze and Interpret Data

Science & Engineering Practices

Crosscutting Concepts

  • Scale, proportion & quantity
  • Systems & system models
  • Structure & function

5 of 10

Objective:

  • Explore how cells can only be so big by studying how things move in and out of them, and discover why the size of a cell is connected to its surface area and volume.

6 of 10

Agenda

This is an online lesson that students can complete asynchronously, at their own pace.

Introductory reading/activity�(30 min)

Beet Lab�(60 min)

7 of 10

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

​

​

Read and complete the guided practice questions of this introduction to cells.

8 of 10

Hands-on Activity Instructions

  • Instruct students to make a copy of this document, which contains the instructions to the activity.
  • Grey slides are instructions for students to follow.
  • Green slides require student responses.
  • Blue sides are for titles and supplementary information.

​

9 of 10

Assessment

  • Student responses to the guided practice questions in the opening activity can be used by the instructor to guide additional questions before and after the hands-on portion of the activity.

​

  • At the conclusion of the hands-on activity, students will submit their completed document for grading.

10 of 10

Differentiation

Students needing additional assistance can meet in a small group, with the instructor (in-person or virtually) to complete the activity together.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students needing additional extension/enrichment on the topics addressed in this activity can explore the lessons in Chapter 7 of this virtual textbook.