AP Biology Investigation #11 – Transpiration (Materials for up to 8 Groups)

Students will study the process of transpiration/transpiration pull and the role it plays in water/nutrient movement in plants. They will study the role of stomata in relation to the transpiration process using a potometer to examine the rate of transpiration in a bean seedling under a select set of environmental conditions. They will also examine the location/density of stomata from a leaf surface by preparing a stomatal peel. Lastly students will design and conduct an experiment to show how altering an environmental condition may affect the rate of transpiration. Meets AP Science Practices 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, and Big Idea 4. Materials provided for 32 students in 8 lab groups. Kit Includes: 8 pc Clear tubing, 12? 8 Tubing clamps 8 Pipettes, 1ml 8 Dispensers, 10ml 8 Planting trays, 6 cell 1 bag Potting soil 1 pkg Bean seeds 1 tube Petroleum jelly 1 btl Nail polish 1 pkg Microscope slides Materials Needed but not Supplied: Calculators Microscopes Distilled or deionized water Clear cellophane tape Razor blades or scalpels Laboratory stands w/clamps Light source Large shallow trays/containers Miscellaneous plant leaves Optional: Exact materials required will vary depending on design of student experiments. Some common item may include: Fan Large plastic bags Thermometers Spray bottles DOT: Small quantity exemption 173.4 THIS PACKAGE CONFORMS TO 49 CFR 173.4 for domestic highway or rail transport only For Laboratory Use Only. Not for drug, food or household use. Keep out of reach of children. For more information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet.

Features

• Experiment kit designed for explaining the mechanics behind nutrient transport in plants
• Students will test the effect of environmental conditions on bean seedlings, observe the stomatal distribution of a leaf, and even design their own experiment
• Kit contains enough material for 8 groups, including chemicals, and student exercise copymasters
• This experiment is designed for use in AP Biology classrooms and coursework, and meets AP Science Practices 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, as well as Big Idea 4
• Safety data sheets included to inform safe storage and maintenance of chemicals