The Photosynthesis
13-16 years
5h + pre- and post-work
4187
The photosynthesis is the world's most important chemical process. The plant's unique ability to harvest energy from sunlight and store this energy in sugars is fascinating. The photosynthesis is the basis of all life on earth, and understanding it is crucial to understanding the connections in nature – whether it's ecology, biochemistry, food production or climate issues. Join us in the chemical world of plants!
In this module, students will build a basic understanding of plant cells, photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students will familiarise themselves with the structure of a plant cell and work with activities that demonstrate photosynthesis. The main focus of the module is photosynthesis, but the students will also discover cellular respiration.
Pre-work: The module contains numerous technical terms. The pre-work will prepare the students for some of these. The students will watch a video and are introduced to plant cells and their structure. They will become familiar with the most important organelles and the tasks they perform.
The module consists of 3 activities in the Newton Room:
- Activity 1: The Plant Cell. The students use 3D models to study how plant cells are structured. Here they become familiar with many of the cell organelles.
- Activity 2: Microscopy of Plant Cells. The students dive into the micro world by using a microscope to see how plant cells are organised. The students make their own samples.
- Activity 3: Measuring Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide. We discover photosynthesis and cellular respiration! The students log the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide with a plant in a closed chamber, both in light and darkness.
The module is summarised with a Kahoot where the students discuss and give answers in groups.
Post-work: The post-work is a practical demonstration experiment (over 1 day) which the students will observe and discuss. Much of what the students encountered in the Newton Room is repeated here.
The students work in pairs in all the activities, except for activity 3. When executing the data logging (activity 3) students work in groups of 4.
The module is designed for upper secondary school, but is recommended for grades 9 and 10.
