The Plasma Membrane, Through the Eyes of a High School Scientist

The plasma membrane is a thin barrier that separates the inside of the cell from its external environment. Through repeated experiments and advances in technology, scientists have developed the “Fluid Mosaic Model” to describe the structure of this dynamic membrane. Because of its unique structure, the plasma membrane can effectively regulate what enters and exits the cell. Students need to understand how the plasma membrane works in order to fully grasp the concepts the come later on.

This unit is designed to teach 9^th and 10^th grade biology students about the content using general principles of scientific processes learned in the beginning of the year. Students will explore the plasma membrane and cellular transport through the eyes of a scientist learning about this topic for the first time. Students will plan and carry out experiments, analyze and interpret data, and evaluate and communicate the information learned.