Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on Daphnia

Lab Investigation

Measure Daphnias heart rate in response to stimulants and depressants.

Study the effects of various chemicals on the human body through the use a model organism— Daphnia. Your students will observe firsthand the effects of various stimulants and depressants on the organism’s heart rate. They’ll also learn to predict and classify various chemicals as either stimulants or depressants. Note: Includes a redeemable coupon for requesting the perishable Daphnia culture.Your students will-

• Identify the microcustacean Daphnia and its major anatomical features
• Predict the effects of stimulant and depressant chemicals on the heart rate of a model organism
• Measure the heart rate in a model organism under different chemical conditions
• Classify chemicals as depressants or stimulants after observing their effects on heart rate

Accommodates class size of 40 students.