Students analyze data and develop models to explain how substances move across cell membranes.
In this lesson, students develop a model to explain how substances move across the cell membrane by analyzing patterns in real data. Rather than memorizing definitions, students use evidence to determine which molecules can diffuse, and why.
Students begin with a short kinesthetic and visual introduction to particle movement and concentration gradients. They then apply this understanding to a series of structured tasks that build toward a central data analysis investigation. Using experimental results, students identify how factors such as size, charge, and membrane structure influence diffusion.
Throughout the lesson, students refine their thinking by comparing initial ideas to new evidence and revising their models accordingly. A final synthesis task requires students to generalize their understanding and explain diffusion as a function of membrane structure and molecular properties.
This lesson is designed to function as part of a coherent cell membrane unit. It builds directly on membrane structure and prepares students for more advanced topics in cell transport and homeostasis.
Model particle movement using visual and kinesthetic representations
Analyze data to determine which substances diffuse across a membrane
Identify patterns related to size, charge, and permeability
Revise explanations based on new evidence
Construct a final explanation of how diffusion works across membranes
24 student-facing Google Slides
Structured modeling and data analysis tasks
Scaffolded progression to support student reasoning
Teacher notes and implementation guidance
Printable, literacy-based exit ticket
This lesson uses a modeling-based approach to help students build understanding from evidence. Tasks are sequenced to move from concrete experience to abstract reasoning, allowing students to develop and refine their ideas over time. The structure supports a wide range of learners while maintaining a high level of cognitive demand.
To see a preview of this lesson, click here.
NGSS Alignment (High School):
HS-LS1-2
NGSS Alignment (Middle School):
MS-LS1-2
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Developing and Using Models
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
Structure and Function
Cause and Effect
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
RST.6-8.1 / RST.9-10.1
RST.6-8.7 / RST.9-10.7
WHST.6-8.2 / WHST.9-10.2
Bundle Upgrade Policy
This lesson is included in one or more bundles. To support flexible purchasing and long-term use of our curriculum, Lesson Laboratory offers a bundle upgrade policy.
If you purchase this lesson and decide at a later date that you would like to upgrade to a bundle, you may request a store credit equal to the total amount paid for duplicate items.
To request an upgrade credit, please email thelessonlaboratory@gmail.com and include:
Your username
The order numbers for both the original purchase(s) and the bundle
The names of the duplicate resources
Requests must be submitted within 30 days of the bundle purchase. Credits are issued as store credit for future Lesson Laboratory purchases and are not provided as cash refunds.
This policy applies only to purchases of resources that are later included in a Lesson Laboratory bundle and is limited to one adjustment per upgrade pathway.
Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase
Students analyze data and develop models to explain how substances move across cell membranes.
In this lesson, students develop a model to explain how substances move across the cell membrane by analyzing patterns in real data. Rather than memorizing definitions, students use evidence to determine which molecules can diffuse, and why.
Students begin with a short kinesthetic and visual introduction to particle movement and concentration gradients. They then apply this understanding to a series of structured tasks that build toward a central data analysis investigation. Using experimental results, students identify how factors such as size, charge, and membrane structure influence diffusion.
Throughout the lesson, students refine their thinking by comparing initial ideas to new evidence and revising their models accordingly. A final synthesis task requires students to generalize their understanding and explain diffusion as a function of membrane structure and molecular properties.
This lesson is designed to function as part of a coherent cell membrane unit. It builds directly on membrane structure and prepares students for more advanced topics in cell transport and homeostasis.
Model particle movement using visual and kinesthetic representations
Analyze data to determine which substances diffuse across a membrane
Identify patterns related to size, charge, and permeability
Revise explanations based on new evidence
Construct a final explanation of how diffusion works across membranes
24 student-facing Google Slides
Structured modeling and data analysis tasks
Scaffolded progression to support student reasoning
Teacher notes and implementation guidance
Printable, literacy-based exit ticket
This lesson uses a modeling-based approach to help students build understanding from evidence. Tasks are sequenced to move from concrete experience to abstract reasoning, allowing students to develop and refine their ideas over time. The structure supports a wide range of learners while maintaining a high level of cognitive demand.
To see a preview of this lesson, click here.
NGSS Alignment (High School):
HS-LS1-2
NGSS Alignment (Middle School):
MS-LS1-2
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Developing and Using Models
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
Structure and Function
Cause and Effect
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
RST.6-8.1 / RST.9-10.1
RST.6-8.7 / RST.9-10.7
WHST.6-8.2 / WHST.9-10.2
Bundle Upgrade Policy
This lesson is included in one or more bundles. To support flexible purchasing and long-term use of our curriculum, Lesson Laboratory offers a bundle upgrade policy.
If you purchase this lesson and decide at a later date that you would like to upgrade to a bundle, you may request a store credit equal to the total amount paid for duplicate items.
To request an upgrade credit, please email thelessonlaboratory@gmail.com and include:
Your username
The order numbers for both the original purchase(s) and the bundle
The names of the duplicate resources
Requests must be submitted within 30 days of the bundle purchase. Credits are issued as store credit for future Lesson Laboratory purchases and are not provided as cash refunds.
This policy applies only to purchases of resources that are later included in a Lesson Laboratory bundle and is limited to one adjustment per upgrade pathway.
Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase
