Yeast Respiration

Activity Summary
Students study the effects of fermentation by observing the gas produced by the breakdown of sugars by yeast. Yeast is placed in four tubes of warm water with varying amounts of sucrose. The tubes are sealed with a balloon. The balloons expand depending on how rapidly fermentation takes place. The students are asked to make predictions about the final size of the balloons.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain aerobic respiration and fermentation and the differences between them
2. Predict which condition will produce the most rapid fermentation
3. List some uses and effects of fermentation in the human diet

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
aerobic respiration, fermentation, ATP, glycolysis

Last updated: 3/3/2015