Unit 9 -- Water and the Chemistry of Life

Although we learned that of all the nutrient cycles, the water cycle does not need living organisms to operate, the reverse is NOT true. Among other things, every living organism needs water to conduct the myriad of chemical reactions that allow it to sustain itself, gro, reproduce and maintain homeostasis. So, as we continue our study of biology, we will take a closer look at the contributions water makes toward the life process.

SB1d. Explain the impact of water on life processes, especially diffusion and osmosis.

Instruction will be a combination direct instruction, at least one worksheet, and a lab. You will write a short lab report on the results of the lab activity.

Specific Assignments:

Assignment 1: Mini-lecture: Water, Diffusion, and Osmosis. Listen carefully. Take notes, especially pay attention to diagrams.

Here is the video version of this lecture:


Assignment 2: Osmosis Lab: Complete the diffusion/osmosis lab. (we will do this together as a class), then write a lab report on what we did and observed.

Assignment 3: Mini-lecture: Importance of Water in maintaining Homeostasis. Take notes.

Take a look at this video that explains more about homeostasis. Click here to view lesson.

Assignment 4: Passive vs. Active Transport - mini lecture.

Here is the video version of this lecture:


Quiz: Water and the Chemistry of life.