Curriculum Guide
Grade 7 – Science Standard 2.4
Life Science.2.4 - Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are important processes by which energy is acquired and utilized by organisms.
Related Colorado Department of Education Sample Units:

Energy Transformation In Living Things (Concepts: Energy, Transformation, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Process)
Essential Questions - 21st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies (District):
1. What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
2. What energy transformations occur in both the processes of photosynthesis and
cellular respiration?
3. How can computer simulations help us distinguish the relationship between
photosynthesis and cellular respiration within plants?
Evidence Outcomes (District):
a. Gather, analyze, and interpret data regarding the basic functions of photosynthesis
and cellular respiration.
b. Use direct and indirect evidence to describe the relationship between
photosynthesis and cellular respiration within plants and between plants and animals.
c. Use computer simulations to model the relationship between photosynthesis and
cellular respiration within plants and between plants and animals.
Academic Vocabulary (District):
cellular respiration
direct evidence
indirect evidence
organism
photosynthesis
process
Assessment (District):
1, 4, 5, 6, & 7. Assessment is located within lesson.
2. This is an interactive activity, so there no assessment other than informal
observations of student responses.
3. Assess the accuracy and content of the final poster using the project questions as
an evaluative guide.
Pre or Post-Assessment for cellular respiration and photosynthesis. This could also be
modified to be used as a worksheet or quiz.

Pre-Post Assessment
Suggested Activities/Strategies (District):
1. This lab activity demonstrates whether CO2 is consumed or released by plants as
evidence of photosynthesis.

Consume or Release CO2 Activity
2. Leaf Photosynthesis Activity: This NetLogo model of leaf photosynthesis shows the
macroscopic outcome of the reaction.

2. Leaf Photosynthesis Interactive Activity
3. Poster Activity: Have students create a poster of photosynthesis.

3. Poster Project
4. Cell Respiration: In this lesson, students compare the basic energy transfer in
photosynthesis and cell respiration with a focus on the role of ATP. Worksheets, labs,
and assessments are included in the body of the document.
5. Energy from Food: In this lab activity, students use microscopes to view parts of a
leaf and then conduct an experiment to demonstrate the role of light and CO2 in
photosynthesis.
6. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Activity: Students use real plants to observe
how photosynthesis and cellular respiration occur.

6 http://www.nclark.net/PhotoRespiration
Resources/Technology (District):

Video, Karaoke, and Quiz

Buzzle on Cell Respiration

Free Clip Art

Free PowerPoints

Free Interactive Games

Free I-pad Apps

Structure of a Leaf and Photosynthesis

Interactive Intro to Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis PowerPoints

Plants in Motion Videos

Games and Activities about Plants

Photosynthesis Lesson Plans

Cellular Respiration Lesson Plans

Interactive Photosynthesis Model

Interactive Learning Module on Photosynthesis 4-H
7. Photosynthesis in Action Lesson: The students watch videos, participate in
interactive demonstrations, and engage in tasks to learn about the process of
photosynthesis.

7. Photosynthesis in Action Lesson

7. Student Webquest for Photosynthesis in Action