Grade 8 Science Lesson Plan

Topic: Diffusion
Strand: Grade 8 – Understanding Life Systems: Cells
Time: 50 minutes

Expectations
Overall Expectations:
• Investigate functions and processes of plant and animal cells;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic structure and function of plant and animal cells and cell processes.

Specific Expectations
Developing Investigation and Communication Skills:
• Use scientific inquiry/experimentation skills to investigate the processes of diffusion;
• Use appropriate science and technology vocabulary, including: diffusion and molecules in oral and written communication;
• Use a variety of forms (oral, written and graphic) to communicate with audiences and for a variety of purposes (draw and label the process of diffusion as seen in the experiment).
Understanding basic Concepts:
• Explain the processes of diffusion and its roles within a cell.

Resources: Science notebook, pencil, pencil crayons, Nelson Science and Technology 8
Experiment: dye, beaker, water.

Introductory Activity(15 minutes): Teacher will complete a mini-lesson about diffusion in order to create oral awareness of the topic at hand. This main concept will be defined (the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration) and examples will be provided.

Developmental Strategies(20 minutes):
1) Now that students have gathered an awareness of diffusion a visual representation through experiment will take place;
2) The teacher will complete the experiment by dropping a small amount of dye into a beaker which is half-full of water to represent diffusion;
3) The class will discuss, with teacher guidance, the relevance of the experiment to diffusion (the ink spreads because the molecules from the dye and water bounce off of one another and causes the dye to spread);
4) The students will record their observations in three steps (1. water 2. water one second after dye is dropped 3. water once dye is set in) first by drawing and then describing them for future reference;

Concluding Activity: At their own desks students will answer the question written on the board:
1) Explain, in your own words, the process of diffusion.

Students will be expected to use graphic and written tactics to explain the process.

Methods of Evaluation: Students will be evaluated based on their participation during class discussion. Their observations and answers to question #1 in the concluding activity will also be collected and marked accordingly. These materials will show where each student stands in their understanding of the subjects.

Follow-Up Ideas: Students will use the knowledge gathered to continue their learning for the next subject: Permeability, impermeably and selective permeability.