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.
PolarTREC Teacher, Mark McKay, heads to the Bering Sea to participate in a research cruise with Dr. Ray Sambrotto. Read the article here or download the PDF (right).