Essentials for Survival · SHS1 General Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.2 - Design, model and explain the osmosis process and indicate its application to everyday life.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Design a simple model of the osmosis process using everyday materials such as yam tissue, potato tissue, or cellophane.
Demonstrate the osmosis process through hands-on experimentation and accurately record their observations.
Explain the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of higher water concentration to a region of lower water concentration.
Distinguish between osmosis and diffusion, using the presence of a selectively permeable membrane as the key difference.
Apply the concept of osmosis to explain at least two everyday situations, such as food preservation, plant water uptake, or the wilting of vegetables.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Processes for Living (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Essentials for Survival (2.1)
Content standard: 1.2.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate understanding and appreciation and model the movement of substances in biotic and abiotic media. 1.2.1.LO.1 Appreciate the movement of substances in biotic and abiotic media.
Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.2 - Design, model and explain the osmosis process and indicate its application to everyday life.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 13 (Week 13 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 35

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Group learners according to different abilities and mixed-sex where appropriate. Use think-pair-share to discuss diffusion and its application.
- Demonstrate the diffusion process by using perfume/Potassium Permanganate crystals/volatile substances like camphor.
NOTE: Check for learners who are allergic to strong scents. Ensure that there is no air blowing. Care must be taken when introducing potassium permanganate into water. Do not use 'spread perfume'.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Cellophane or any suitable substance available.
- Yam tissue, potato tissue or any suitable substance
- Video Clips/2. Internet resources such as available.
- Table salt/sugar.
- Water
- Bowl
- Century Skills and Competencies and GESI)
- Colour (washing blue)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhszFBtBPoI; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnIkGtkO-Js)
- Liquid perfume in a container with a lid.
- Potassium Permanganate crystals,
- Camphor
Assessment (1.2.1.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.