Cell Membrane Lab: Modeling Selective Permeability with Bubbles

Cell Membrane Bubble Lab” was written both for middle school science. This lesson uses soap bubbles to model the structure and behavior of cell membranes. This hands-on activity is fun, visually engaging, and reinforces key concepts in cell biology. Bubbles make a great stand in for cell membranes! They’re fluid, flexible, and can self-repair!
Objective
Investing the flexibility and permeability of cells using a bubble model
This lessons contains

1. Lesson Plan-aligned with NGSS standards
2. Student lab
3. Answer Key correct response written in red to make grading easier!
   Structure of the phospholipid bilayer
   Fluid mosaic model
   Selective permeability
   Membrane repair
   Importance of proteins in transport
   This lab demonstrates the dynamic, flexible, and selectively permeable nature of the cell membrane. It helps students visualize how membranes can allow certain molecules through, maintain integrity, and repair damage.
   Concepts covered
   Structure and Function – Students see how the structure of the membrane (thin, flexible layer) enables its function (transport, repair).
   Stability and Change – Observing how membranes respond to disruption (e.g., repair or burst) models how cells maintain integrity.