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Abstract
In these exercises, students investigate some of the properties of mammalian blood in order to better understand:
- how the different blood cell types and plasma contribute to the function of blood
- how the osmotic pressure and composition of body fluids affect the volume of cells
- how blood clots form, and
- how the oxygen carrying capacity of blood is determined.
These exercises provide students opportunities to examine living tissue, make quantitative measurements that can be interpreted graphically and to design their own investigations of the properties of blood.
Appropriate Levels
Life Science, Biology, Honors, AP, and Tech prep, depending upon the level of discussion and types of questions asked.
Time Required
Before class: It is necessary to obtain animal blood for use in these labs, which requires prior coordination with a supplier. A number of salt solutions that can be made up well in advance of the lab are required.
In class: The lab can be divided into 4 independent activities each requiring one normal class period. It is possible to combine elements from different sections to customize the exercise to meet the needs of individual classes.
Materials
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