Lesson 5: Photosynthesis

Introduction /Theme:

This is a series of 3 activities that teaches middle school students the basics of photosynthesis. These activities can also be modified to fit other grade levels if needed.

Learning outcomes:

• Students will be able to explain and draw the process of photosynthesis
• Students will be able to describe why sunlight is required for photosynthesis
• Students will be able to identify what is necessary for photosynthesis to occur
• Students will be able to identify the products of photosynthesis

Curriculum alignment:

6th grade

• 1.05 Analyze evidence to:
  • Explain observations.
  • Make inferences and predictions.
  • Develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
• 1.08 Use oral and written language to:
  • Communicate findings.
  • Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
• 4.03 Examine evidence that green plants make food.
  • Photosynthesis is a process carried on by green plants and other organisms containing chlorophyll.
  • During photosynthesis, light energy is converted into stored energy which the plant, in turn, uses to carry out its life processes.
• 4.04 Evaluate the significance of photosynthesis to other organisms:
  • The major source of atmospheric oxygen is photosynthesis.
  • Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and oxygen is released during photosynthesis.
  • Green plants are the producers of food that is used directly or indirectly by consumers.

Classroom time required:

5 class periods double block or 10 regular class periods

Materials needed:

• Photosynthesis Tree (activity 1):
  • Small decorative tree (real or artificial)
  • Crayons or colored pencils
  • Photosynthesis labels
  • String or Tape
  • Photosynthesis Tree Printable
• Laboratory: Photosynthesis (activity 2):
  • Aluminum foil or black construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Printable
  • Photosynthesis Laboratory Printable
• “You are My Sunshine” Photosynthesis Song (activity 3)
  • Photosynthesis Song Printable

Technology resources:

• Digital camera for photosynthesis lab (optional)
• Internet to look up tune to “You are my Sunshine” (if not already given to students)

Pre-activities:

Concept Map

This collaborative activity allows students to work in groups to demonstrate their prior knowledge on plants and photosynthesis. Students will work in groups of 3-4 to make a concept map using Post-It notes or note cards on chart paper. Students will begin this activity by brainstorming words or concepts about plants. Students will write each word or concept on each Post-It note. Students are encouraged to draw a picture on the Post-It note to represent each word. Students will then arrange the Post-It notes on chart paper and draw lines to show the relationship between all of the words. Students may also include connecting words along the linking lines to clarify the connection. Connecting words may include words like requires, produces, absorbs, reflects, etc. When the groups have completed their concept maps, they will place them around the perimeter of the classroom in preparation for the gallery walk.

Gallery Walk

During the gallery walk, the groups have the opportunity to look at the concept maps made by other groups. Each group will walk around with a different color Post-It note and make comments and ask questions about other concept maps. The groups then stick their question/comment Post-It note on that particular chart.

After the gallery walk, groups return to their orriginal concept map and review the questions/comments posted by other groups. This can provide an opportunity for groups to discuss the comments/questions within their own group. It is best if the teacher keeps these concept maps posted around the classroom so students can revise them at the end of the lesson to demonstrate their understanding of the lesson content.

Activities:

Activity 1: Photosynthesis Classroom Tree

Students will be given brief instruction by teacher about plants and photosynthesis, reflecting on the gallery walk and informal observations made during group discussion. Students will then color the attached printable to label important components of photosynthesis. The printable includes carbon dioxide, starch, light energy, and H2O. Teachers are encouraged to add additional note cards with important terms as needed to make the activity more or less challenging. Students can work inside with artificial or real decorative plants or students may locate and apply these concepts to small trees on campus. After the plants are labeled, students will draw the plant with the appropriate labels. If real plants are used outdoors, please remind your students to remove the labels after the drawing is complete.

Activity 2: Leaves without Sunlight, What’s the Impact?

Students will use aluminum foil or black construction paper to cover a portion or an entire leaf and restrict the sunlight to the leaf. The teacher may choose to have students use leaves from several plants if the time is available. This activity will be conducted in the form of an experiment and students can either draw or use a digital camera to provide the images for the activity.

Activity 3: Photosynthesis Lyrics

Students demonstrate their knowledge of photosynthesis by creating a new verse for the song “You are my Sunshine.” Students will work as a team of 4 students, but each student must create their own verse. Students must include correct information about photosynthesis and incorporate as many key words as possible. It is recommended that students have a time limit, approximately 25 minutes to develop their verse independently. Students will then gather as a group and share their verse with the other students. The groups will need approximately 20 minutes to fit the verses together to form a completed song. The song can then be performed in front of the other groups for an enjoyable musical learning activity about photosynthesis.

Assessment:

At the end of this lesson, students will return to their groups they worked with for the pre-activities. Students can modify their concept map to reflect their new knowledge or can design a new concept map. The students will be evaluated on their development of knowledge and incorporation of information learned during these activities on the final concept map.

Critical vocabulary:

Absorb, Carbon Dioxide, Chlorophyll, Chloroplast, Glucose, Light, Organism, Oxygen, Photosynthesis, Starch, Xylem