OsmoBeaker® 2.0
Expected release: Fall 2010
We are excited to build on the success of OsmoBeaker 1.0 with our upcoming 2.0 release. The next OsmoBeaker will: (1) have a more sophisticated and intuitive user interface; (2) incorporate interactive animations (including exploding cells!); and, (3) include improved, more concise and engaging student exercises.
OsmoBeaker 2.0 Diffusion
The Diffusion lab in OsmoBeaker 2.0 is being developed for non-majors and introductory-level college courses. After completing the experiments in this lab, students will understand that it is the continuous, random movement of molecules that drives diffusion and they will see how this fundamental physical process is vital in biological systems. The first set of experiments will focus on the movement of molecules into and out of a simplified generic "cell" in solutions of varying concentration. The next experiments, depicted below, will use a slightly more complex biological system of nerve cells with axons of different lengths to explore limitations of diffusion for transport over longer distances. The final experiment will investigate how CO2 molecules diffuse through cells in plant leaves.
For more details about our current plans for this lab, visit the OsmoBeaker 2.0 Diffusion Lab Development page.
OsmoBeaker 2.0 Osmosis
The Osmosis lab in OsmoBeaker 2.0 is being developed for general biology and introductory cell biology courses. This lab will focus on medically relevant systems and thus will be ideal for pre-medical and nursing students. The first set of experiments will involve virtual research on engineered cells and artificial IV fluids - the basis for the experiment depicted below - to explore the relationships among solutes, solvents, concentration, pressure, semipermeable membranes, and osmosis. These experiments will also review how to compute solute concentrations and what is meant by "dynamic equilibrium". The concepts of water, solute, and pressure potentials will be explored with a scenario involving peritoneal dialysis.
For more details about our current plans for this lab, visit the OsmoBeaker 2.0 Osmosis Lab Development page.