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Yeast Respiration Lab

 

The Yeast Respiration Lab invites students to explore how living organisms can generate energy without oxygen in a hands-on, inquiry-based experiment. Students investigate how temperature and sugar availability affect anaerobic respiration in yeast by measuring carbon dioxide production through balloon inflation.

$4.00

Description:

The Yeast Respiration Lab invites students to explore how living organisms can generate energy without oxygen in a hands-on, inquiry-based experiment. Students investigate how temperature and sugar availability affect anaerobic respiration in yeast by measuring carbon dioxide production through balloon inflation.

 

Through guided experimentation, real-time data collection, and open-ended investigation, students uncover the conditions yeast need to “breathe” anaerobically — and then take on the challenge of designing their own test using a variable of their choice.

 

Why Teachers Love This Activity:

  • Real Biology, Real Gas Production – Students observe fermentation firsthand, reinforcing key concepts of anaerobic respiration and metabolic processes.
  • Built-In Inquiry & Critical Thinking – The second half of the lab challenges students to think like scientists by designing their own experiment, manipulating variables, and forming hypotheses.
  • Curriculum-Aligned & Versatile – Supports NGSS performance expectations related to cellular respiration, chemical reactions, and energy transfer in life science.
  • Accessible for All Learners – Visual observations, scaffolded questions, and a clear, structured format ensure meaningful participation for students at all levels.
  • Low-Cost, High-Impact – Uses easy-to-find materials like sugar, yeast, water bottles, and balloons — perfect for classrooms with limited budgets or supplies.

 

How It Works:

  • Set Up the Experiment – Students prepare three test bottles with different conditions (warm vs. cold water, sugar vs. no sugar), each containing yeast and sealed with a balloon.
  • Watch the Balloons Rise – As the yeast ferments sugar, carbon dioxide is produced and trapped by the balloon. Students measure the circumference of each balloon at regular intervals.
  • Collect & Compare Data – Over 20 minutes, students measure balloon growth, record their data, and note visual changes.
  • Design Their Own Test – In Part 2, students pick an additional variable (e.g., salt, honey, lemon juice, light exposure) to test its effect on yeast respiration.
  • Analyze & Reflect – Through targeted analysis questions, students interpret their results, evaluate their hypotheses, and consider the real-world significance of anaerobic respiration.

 

What’s Included:

  • Student Lab Packet with data tables, observation space, and built-in analysis questions
  • Answer Key & Teacher Tips with setup guidance, troubleshooting help, and sample responses
  • Materials List and safety guidelines for smooth classroom execution
  • Extension Opportunities for deeper inquiry or longer lab periods

 

Why Students Will Love It:

  • Balloons + Chemistry = Fun – There’s something magical about watching a balloon inflate from invisible gas produced by tiny organisms!
  • Hands-On Discovery – Students take ownership of their learning through active experimentation and creative variable testing.
  • Real-Life Connection – From bread rising to fermentation in foods and fuels, students discover how respiration affects the world around them.

 

Materials (per group):

  • 4 plastic bottles (16 oz)
  • 4 balloons (standard size)
  • Active dry yeast (1 tbsp per bottle)
  • Granulated sugar (1 tbsp per bottle for sugar trials)
  • Warm water (~40°C/104°F) and cold water (~10°C/50°F)
  • Measuring spoons & funnel
  • Thermometer, tape measure/string & ruler
  • Stopwatch or timer
  • Optional: Additional variables (e.g., salt, honey, vinegar, artificial sweetener)

 

Pro Tip: Pre-measure yeast and sugar in small cups to streamline setup. Use a class demo of the warm sugar setup inflating a balloon to grab student attention right away. Then ask: “What’s making the balloon grow?” to kick off student inquiry into the power of yeast!

 

Grade Levels: 8th – 12th
Total Pages: 14
Teaching Duration: 60 Minutes

 

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks for visiting!
Jessica