Any Suggestions????

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Next semester, I'm going to be teaching everybody's favorite subject--FLUID AND ELECTROLYTES!!!! I want to make this subject less dreadful for the ADN students, would like to "lighten" it up a bit, maybe, just maybe (perhaps I am stretching things here) ... actually make it FUN!!! I would like to use models to demonstrate osmosis, diffusion, and filtration. Also would like to use hardboiled eggs (without the shells, or course) in ziplocked bags with various solutions of saline (one isotonic--egg stays the same, one hypotonic, egg grows gargantuan, and one hypertonic, egg shrinks). Does anybody have any ideas about teaching F & E? Know of any models that actually have the semipermeable membranes to demonstrate osmosis? Any ideas on demonstrating diffusion??? Thank you in advance for any and all suggestions!!!

[ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN]

well I have no suggestions... I HATED F&E!!! I hope you find a way to make it fun and understandable!!! Good Luck!

[WashYaHands]

Make Kool aid in a large clear pitcher for diffusion. If you don't stir it, you can see the diffusion of the kool-aid. Show how diffusion is accelerated when energy (stirring) is present. The Koolaid is the higher concentration, the water is the lower concentration. Don't forget to bring paper cups so everyone can have some. :)

Linda

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Thanks, Linda--definitely gonna try that idea! ShandyLynn--pray for me!!!

[Rena RN 2003, RN]

i have no ideas but i wish i had you for an instructor :chuckle my F & E portion was anything but fun.

[kimmicoobug]

F&E was ok. Kind of struggled a bit with the metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis and compensation (as these were taught with F&E). The cool-aid idea is a good one.

[melissa24]

Vicky,

One site you can check out is http://www.hometrainingtools.com

This is a science supply resource for homeschoolers, so the quantities and prices are smaller. If you are looking for larger quantities (if you want each student to do the experiment, rather than one demonstration), I'm sure there are many suppliers out there. I would do an internet search or ask someone who teaches science.

Home Training Tools does have semi-permeable membrane. I used this, along with sugar, water, and glucose test strips to demonstrate osmosis with my son. It has been about three years since we did that experiment, but it worked out well.

Sounds like you care about teaching and keeping it interesting for your students...good for you and good for them!:)

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Thanks, Melissa, for the web site. Gonna check it out!!!

[RN always, BSN, RN]

I STILL don't understand F & E. YIKES!!!! Good luck, can I come to your class and watch?