Organic Evolution Theory

SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS/PROCESSES

• Explore and study the heterotroph hypothesis
• Examine and visualize hypothesis that first life was in a suspended colloid
• Examine coacervates with stain and microscope

In this Lab-Aid, students explore and study the heterotroph hypothesis. This hypothesis states that living organisms arose by natural processes on the primitive earth.

Using individual worksheets, students first produce coacervates, liquid colloidal suspensions of organic compounds. Next, they examine and visualize the scientific hypothesis that earth’s first life was in a suspended colloid. After producing coacervates, students then examine them using stain and microscopes. They compare the coacervates to simple live organisms such as the Amoeba. This kit is an excellent introduction to a very complex concept.

MICROSCOPES ARE NEEDED.

Contents List

• 1 Teachers Guide with MSDS
• 30 Student Worksheets and Guides
• 30 Plastic Slides
• 30 Cover slips
• 6 Calibrated tubes w/caps

Drop Control Bottles:

• 1 Gentian violet stain
• 3 Gelatin solution
• 4 Gum arabic solution
• 1 0.1M hydrochloric acid