1.30
Photosynthesis
Vincent English - Vernier Europe
Short Description:
The use of video capture and data analysis to explain the relationship between light, oxygen
and carbon dioxide in the context of photosynthesis.
Aims:
To demonstrate the importance of light energy on the production of oxygen in
photosynthesis.
Fostered Skills:
Understanding how light can affect oxygen production in plants during photosynthesis and
the opposite affect during conditions of no light. Students will watch a recreation of a real
experiment and see the data analysis gathered in real time. They will understand how to
manipulate and understand what information the graph is displaying. With using real
sensors, students can set up and re-create this experiment.
Connection to the curriculum:
Photosynthesis and respiration
Implementation of the Demonstrator:
1st learning activity (Developing the concept so that students can gain an appreciation of
the following:)
 The process of photosynthesis involves the use of light energy to convert carbon
dioxide and water into sugar, oxygen, and other organic compounds
 Why is photosynthesis important?
 Why does light have such an important influence?
 What is the opposite of photsynthesis?
2nd learning activity (Hypothesis and Experiment Design).
 Predict what will happen in darkness?
 Should plants be removed from a hospital ward at night?
 If teacher prefers to set up experiment using real sensors, then discuss with students
about experiment design;
 Discuss current design (if using only demonstration mode) and discuss ways to
improve;
 Predict outcomes at different light intensities.
3rd learning activity (Experiment Activity)
 Use video tool measure rates of reaction of CO2 and O2;
 Is there a relationship between them?
 Refer to the formula used to describe photosynthesis and comment;
 How can you explain the importance of energy to the process?
 Research and find out the process and how electrons play an important role.
4th learning activity (Discussion and Conclusion)
 Conclusions drawn from the experiment
 Discuss : 6 H2O + 6 CO2 + light energy  C6H12O6 + 6 O2
 Use colored filters around the light source to test the effect of red, blue, and green
light on the photosynthetic activity of the plant.
 Vary the distance of the floodlight source to determine the effect of light intensity on
photosynthesis.
 Compare the photosynthetic activity of different plants.
 Investigate the effect of temperature on the photosynthetic activity of the plant
 Explain why the rate of photosynthesis varies under different environmental
conditions.
Domain:
Biology
Big Idea of Science:
Age group:
8
15-18
18-25
25+
Languages available:
Czech, Danish,
German, Greek,
English, Spanish,
Finnish, French,
Italian, Dutch, Polish,
Portuguese, Russian,
Swedish
Equipment needed
Computer and
LoggerPro if
simulation only. If
students want to
recreate experiment
then a LabQuest,
Light sensor, CO2
sensor, O2 sensor,
LoggerPro and a web
cam are required
Involved actors
Teachers and
Students
Time needed:
Average duration 1
to 1.5 hours
Used eTool and link:
LoggerPro, Lab Quest,
http://www.vernier.c
om/products/softwa
re/lp/
Quality Characteristics of the Demonstrator
Characteristic I
how Demonstrator follows an inquiry based approach
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Students are asked to discuss the concepts of both respiration and photosynthesis;
The importance of light energy is discussed;
Does the colour of the photosynthetic pigment play an important role?
What happens when filters are used in front of the light source?
Can you make a connection between photosynthesis and physics of light and about
the electron?
Characteristic II
how Demonstrator integrates eLearning element
E-learning is integrated using the LoggerPro software package using add on devices such a
webcam. Direct sensing technology can also be used if teachers have access to Vernier
sensors.
Characteristic III
how Demonstrator follows a Big Idea of Science
The demonstrator follows the concept photosynthesis and explains the importance of light
to the process. The O2 being produced during the day and the consumption of CO2 is an
important environmental condition for the sustainability of life on Earth.
Characteristic IV
how Demonstrator is connected to a real world problem
The critical importance of O2 production to life on Earth is discussed. Possible ancillary
conversation can centre around pollution, rain forest, carbon cycle....
Experiences with the Demonstrator?
Used across Schools in Europe for last 10 years