Unit map for Model Membranes: Just Passing Through.
EiE
Designing Model Membranes
Upper Elementary
Molecules & Organisms
Matter
In Classrooms
Students engineer model membranes that provide water slowly over time.
Unit Overview
In Designing Model Membranes: Just Passing Through students use the Engineering Design Process to design a model membrane that slowly delivers water to a frog in need. They explore how the natural membrane of a raisin lets in water over time and investigate how different materials can mimic this behavior.
- 5 lessons (8–9 class sessions)
Standards Alignment
EiE is a collection of in-school and out-of-school units and includes programs Engineering is Elementary (K-5), Engineering Adventures (3-5), and Engineering Everywhere (6-8).
Unit Resources
Digital Resources (FREE)
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Materials Kit -
$489
- Hands-on materials to support 30 learners.
Materials Refill Kit -
$199
- Replenishes the consumable items from the Materials Kit.
Unit Map
Students are introduced to the concepts of engineering and technology. (30–40 min.)
The class reads a storybook in which a boy named Juan Daniel living in El Salvador explores the field of Bioengineering in order to design a safe environment for his fútbol team’s mascot, a small frog. (90–120 min., 2–3 sessions)
Students think like bioengineers as they match technologies with the natural objects that inspired them. (45–50 min.)
Students experiment with materials as they think about how to design a membrane that will let desired substances through. (100–110 min., 2 sessions)
Students follow the steps of the Engineering Design Process to imagine, plan, create, test, and then improve their own model membrane designs. (100–110 min., 2 sessions)
Teacher Preparation Videos
View the full unit playlist on YouTube
How to Use the Testing Container
How to Prepare Raisin Samples
