Diffusion: moving particles
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain that diffusion is the movement of particles of a substance from an area of higher to lower concentration.
Key learning points
- All substances, including the cell cytoplasm and substances within it, are made up of particles.
- These particles move in random directions and collide all the time.
- Concentration is the number of particles in a volume of liquid or gas.
- The net movement of particles is down a concentration gradient.
- Diffusion is the passive movement of particles of a substance from an area of higher to lower concentration.
Keywords
Passive process - A passive process doesn’t require any additional energy.
Concentration - Concentration is the number of particles in a volume of liquid or gas.
Concentration gradient - A concentration gradient is a difference in the concentration of particles from one area to another.
Net movement - Net movement is the overall movement of particles from one area to another.
Diffusion - Diffusion is the net movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Common misconception
Particles want or intend to spread out; particles stop moving after equilibrium has been reached.
Animations show particles in continuous random motion.
Teacher tip
Demonstrations of diffusion in gases (e.g. deodorant or air freshener) and liquids (e.g. tea or dye in water) can help to increase engagment.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are not made of cells?
Q2.Which one statement about the human body is true?
Q3.Starting with the largest, put these in size order.
Q4.Match the particles with their correct arrangement.
close and fixed in position.
close, randomly arranged and can move around each other.
far apart, randomly arranged and free to move.
Q5.What does the word particle refer to?
Q6.What is the particle model?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What can particles in a liquid and gas do that enables them to diffuse?
Q2.Which of the following describe the movement of particles in liquids and gases?
Q3.Which best describes diffusion?
Q4.Why is diffusion a passive process?
Q5.Which of the following are examples of particles that may be found in the cell cytoplasm?
Q6.Match the words to their definitions.
The number of particles in a volume of liquid or gas.
A difference in concentration.
The overall movement of particles from one area to another.
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Diffusion: moving particles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Diffusion: moving particles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Diffusion unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.