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Addresses AP® Biology Big Idea 1 and Essential Knowledge 1.D.1 and 1.D.2. Using kit materials, students explore the origin of life by creating coacervates—phospholipid vesicles similar to those created in the laboratory by Alexander Oparin in the 1920s. Extending their new knowledge of coacervate formation and properties, students design an investigation into the various environmental factors affecting coacervate formation and movement. Materials for 1 group of 4 students.

• Aligned with Big Idea 1 and Essential Knowledge 1.D.1 and 1.D.2
• Emphasizes Science Practices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Simulate the conditions of primeval Earth to create coacervates and explore their lifelike properties.

• Learn about different scientific models concerning the origin of life
• Combine organic molecules under specific environmental conditions to create phospholipid vesicles
• Explore the lifelike properties of coacervates
• Perform experiments with coacervates that model Oparin's experiments on the origin of life

Students learn about various scientific models concerning the origin of life and then extend their knowledge through hands-on inquiry exploration. This lab challenges students to explore the origin of life by creating coacervates—phospholipid vesicles similar to those created in the laboratory of Alexander Oparin in the 1920s. Students then design an additional experiment to investigate the impact of various environmental factors on coacervate formation and movement. The 1-Station Kit includes materials for 1 group of 4 students.

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