Water Balance in Organisms

10th GradeScience40 min

Learning Objective

I can describe how organisms maintain homeostasis through water regulation.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

10 min

Osmosis and Water Potential (Updated)

Amoeba Sisters

Guided Notes

8 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • In osmosis, water moves through a semi-permeable membrane from areas of high water concentration to areas of low water concentration, or from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration.

  • A solution that is hypertonic has a higher solute concentration compared to another solution, while a hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration; an isotonic solution has an equal concentration.

  • Water potential is calculated by adding pressure potential and solute potential, and water moves to areas of lower water potential.

  • Turgor pressure, which results from osmosis and plant cell walls, is critical for overall plant structure and the ability of plants to grow upright and not wilt.

Practice

12 min

5 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Explain how saltwater fish maintain homeostasis in their environment, referencing the concept of osmosis.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts