This lesson focuses on the diffusion of gas molecules across the cuticle membrane of sea spider legs and the role body size plays in the ability of sea spiders to uptake gases. Students construct model sea spider legs of varying diameters and use them to investigate the relationship between surface area-to-volume ratios and diffusion.
The Dartmouth Engineer Magazine profile Eric Wagner, the PhD candidate who is a member of the team going to Greenland. PolarTREC teacher Steve Kirsche is also mentioned in the article.
ScienceNews article highlighting the work of Polar Gigantism in Antarctica expedition Principal Investigator Dr. H. Arthur Woods on sea spider physiology.