Photosynthesis
Activity 1.
The word photosythesis consists of two parts: Photo (=LIGHT) and synthesis (=PROCESS). This tells us that photosynthesis is the process by which plants use light to create energy. Click on Photosysnthesis: The Energy Cycle at Rainforest Explorer [http://www.wettropics.gov.au/st/rainforest_explorer/4/401unique/4resources01.htm#video] to watch a video about Photosynthesis. What conditions made the plants grow best?
Activity 2.
Your teacher will download this Barrier Game so that you can complete it with a partner - don't cheat or you won't learn anything from this activity!
What do you notice about the parts of the diagram for partner 1 and partner 2? [Think about what's happening to the chemicals!]
The word photosythesis consists of two parts: Photo (=LIGHT) and synthesis (=PROCESS). This tells us that photosynthesis is the process by which plants use light to create energy. Click on Photosysnthesis: The Energy Cycle at Rainforest Explorer [http://www.wettropics.gov.au/st/rainforest_explorer/4/401unique/4resources01.htm#video] to watch a video about Photosynthesis. What conditions made the plants grow best?
Activity 2.
Your teacher will download this Barrier Game so that you can complete it with a partner - don't cheat or you won't learn anything from this activity!
What do you notice about the parts of the diagram for partner 1 and partner 2? [Think about what's happening to the chemicals!]
| photosynthesis_a.doc |
| photosynthesis_b.doc |
Activity 3.
Read the information at Gardening with Children [http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/gardening_with_children/didyouknow_photosynthesis.shtml] Look at the diagram from Activity 2. How does it relate to the information on this website?
Real Trees for Kids [http://www.realtrees4kids.org/sixeight/letseat.htm] gives you more detailed information. Scroll down to the Ingredients and Steps section to find out what happens to the chemicals in your diagram.
Activity 4.
A scientific formula is a short-hand way of explaining what goes into and comes out of a process. It is easier to remember than lots of explanatory sentences. Rearrange these words to create a formula for photosynthesis. You can download this Onenote activity to complete on your laptop or your teacher can print it out for you to complete with a partner in class.
| photosynthesis_formula.one |
Activity 5.
Rearrange these sentences to create a paragraph about photosynthesis. You can also download this activity by clicking on the icon below (if you do this, go to page 2: What is photosynthesis?).
- The role of plants in an ecosystem is to produce energy that other organisms can consume.
- As a result they are called producers.
- Photosynthesis is a process used by plants to produce energy.
- The chlorophyll in leaf cells absorbs energy from sunlight.
- Water enters the plant through the roots and travels to the leaves.
- This energy from sunlight splits the water into hydrogen and oxygen.
- Underneath a plants leaves are special cells called stomata.
- Carbon Dioxide enters the plant through the stomata.
- Then, the hydrogen from the water joins with the carbon dioxide to make glucose.
- The left over oxygen is released through the stomata.
- This glucose is carried all over the plant and converted to energy to so the plant can grow.
- Photosynthesis is important to all life because without plants to create energy from the sun, we would all die!
| photosynthesis_formula.one |
Study Tip
Did you find it easier to learn about photosynthesis through:
- watching the video?
- talking to your partner in the barrier game?
- rearranging the formula?
- writing sentences?