| In this lab, serial dilutions of a "toxic" chemical are used to
discover a dose response in a green plant to the chemical dilutions.
The supplied protocol uses, http://www.fastplants.org (Wisconsin fast
plants), a scientific standard organism, but seeds from plants native
to the Chesapeake Bay watershed could just as easily be used.
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| Objectives |
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To impart basic toxicological principles.
To improve and expand basic lab technique.
To develop implemetation of the scientific method and experimental design.
To provide an appreciation of how anthropogenic activity can impact the environment.
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| Materials |
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A variety of household chemicals (water soluble)
Test tubes
DI water
Test tube racks
Gloves, aprons, goggles, etc
Fast Plant,
Brassica rapa seeds, or native seeds of a fast growing variety
Spartina alterniflora is a good choice, but you have to add some salt to the water. |
| Procedure |
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| References |
| All materials courtesy of, http://www.toxicology.org, The Society of Toxicology
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| State
Standards |
1.1.2- The student will modify or affirm scientific ideas according to accumulated evidence.
1.2.2- The student will pose meaningful, answerable scientific questions.(NTB)
1.2.3- The student will formulate a working hypothesis.
1.2.5- The student will select appropriate instruments and materials to conduct an investigation.
1.2.6- The student will identify appropriate methods for conducting an investigation (independent and dependent variables, proper controls, repeat trials, appropriate sample size, etc.).
1.3.2- The student will recognize safe laboratory procedures.
1.4.1- The student will organize data appropriately using techniques such as tables, graphs, and webs (for graphs: axes labeled with appropriate quantities, appropriate units on axes, axes labeled with appropriate intervals, independent and dependent variables on correct axes, appropriate title).
1.4.4- The student will determine the relationships between quantities and develop the mathematical model that describes these relationships.
1.5.1- The student will demonstrate the ability to summarize data (measurements/observations).
1.5.2- The student will explain scientific concepts and processes through drawing, writing, and/or oral communication.
3.1.2- The student will be able to discuss factors involved in the regulation of chemical activity as part of a homeostatic mechanism.
3.2.2- The student will conclude that cells exist within a narrow range of environmental conditions and changes to that environment, either naturally occurring or induced, may cause changes in the metabolic activity of the cell or organism.
3.5.3- The student will investigate how natural and man-made changes in environmental conditions will affect individual organisms and the dynamics of populations.
3.5.4- The student will illustrate how all organisms are part of and depend on two major global food webs that are positively or negatively influenced by human activity and technology.
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| Lesson Resources |
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