The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Photosynthesis Lab Series
Series of Photosynthesis Labs
A 7-12 grade STEM lesson�for Biology
Hermelina Liddell
January 21, 2024
Notes for teachers
In this lesson, students will learn the details of photosynthesis by performing a series of labs to observe the following:
1. Chloroplast
2. Presence of glucose
3. Spectral analysis
List of Materials:
Lab 1 Chloroplast
Microscope
Microscope slides
Onion
Elodea leaf
Tweezer
Lab 2 Glucose
Ethyl alcohol
Iodine solution
Test tubes
Hot plate
Forceps
Petri dish
Lab 3 Spectral Analysis
SpectraVis-Plus spectrophotometer
Spinach 70% isopropanol
Zip lock bag/coffee filter
Beaker
Computer
Standards
AZ Science Standards
Essential HS.L2U1.21 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate data showing the relationship of photosynthesis and cellular respiration; flow of energy and cycling of matter.
Plus HS+B.L2U1.8 Develop and use models to develop a scientific explanation that illustrates how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy and how cellular respiration breaks down macromolecules for use in metabolic processes.
NGSS: HS-LS1.C.3
As matter and energy flow through different organizational levels of living systems, chemical elements are recombined in different ways to form different products.
Standards
Science and Engineering Practices:
Crosscutting Concepts:
Structure and Function
ISTE Standards
Empowered Learner
Knowledge Constructor
NGSSHS-LS2-3. | Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
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Objective(s):
Learning Target:
We are learning to investigate the role of chloroplast in photosynthesis, the presence of Carbon and spectral analysis in leaves.
Success Criteria
Agenda (2-3 days of 50 min)
Bell work (5-10 min)
Phenomenon (5 min)
Review
Factors Limiting Photosynthesis
Pre Lab
Lab 1 30 min
Lab 2 30 min
Lab 3 30 min
Analysis (5 min)
Bell work
Bell work (5-10 min)
Observe:
Blow in air in a test tube with Bromothymol blue.
What happens? What does the color change indicate?
How does Carbon enter the leaves in plants?
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Phenomenon
Why do
sunflowers
face the
morning
sun?
Review
Introduction:�
Activate Prior Knowledge
Driving Questions�
1. What is the chemical equation for Photosynthesis?
2. Why are leaves green?
3. Why do chloroplasts move?
4. What factors affect photosynthesis?
Introduction
Introduction to the Lab Activity
(Optional: You can do your own introductory lesson on photosynthesis)
Photosynthesis Interactive
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Lab 1
Prepare a Plant Cell slide
Students prepare a plant cell slide and observe the chloroplast
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Lab 2
Test for Glucose
Students examine if glucose is present in leaves
Photosynthesis Test for Starch Lab.docx
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Integrating Technology
Lab 3
Spectral Analysis
Students use a spectrophotometer to collect absorbance vs wavelength data
Assessment
Lab Analysis Questions are included in the Lab Procedures
Post Lab Activities: (optional)
1. How to prepare a slide/mount a sample on the slide
2. Iodine solution is corrosive. What do you mean by that?
3. In what other ways can you use the spectrophotometer?
Differentiation
1. One-on-one demonstration
2. Working with a partner
3. Videos for safety
4. Instead of the interactive video on HHMI, edpuzzle has shorter video clips with pauses so students can answer questions and check for understanding.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
Students can collect other data using the spectrophotometer.
Use other leaf samples and notice which wavelengths have the highest or lowest absorbance.
They can save the data they collected.
Students can also examine leaves that are purple.