Lab Report: Photosynthesis Lab
Learning Goals: write out completely
1. Students will be able to diagram the parts of the chloroplast and know how each part is involved in
photosynthesis.
2. Students will be able to describe the function of the stomata in the process of photosynthesis.
3. Students will be able to name the pigments involved in photosynthesis.
4. Students will be able to identify and describe the factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis.
Prelab: answer the following
1. Draw the cross section of a leaf and label all parts. Label each of the parts.
2. Write the chemical equation for photosynthesis including the proper coefficients and then describe the
formula in words in a paragraph below it. Paragraph must consist of a maximum of four sentences.
Part I: Investigating Stomata
1. Purpose: create an appropriate purpose
2. Prediction: Write a prediction about stomata. (size, location, placement)
3. Methods: Write out the procedures followed to observe stomata under the microscope. DO NOT
include a list of materials but rather incorporate them into the procedure to follow. List the steps of
procedures. Do not write them in paragraph form.
4. Data: Create a data table from this investigation. Make sure the data table has an appropriate title.
5. Explanation of Observations: In a paragraph, incorporate research about stomata with findings from
investigation to describe the role the stomata plays in plant processes and diagram the parts that make
up the stomata. Include a labeled drawing of a stoma including the guard cells. Describe how the
stomata open and close.
Part II: How many pigments are in a plant using Chromatography?
1. Purpose: create an appropriate purpose
2. Data: recreate the data table below
Pigment Color
Distance Pigment
Migrated (cm)
Calculated Rf
Value
Pigment Name
3. Graph: graph pigment name and Rf value. Don’t forget a title and appropriate labels.
4. Explanation of Observations: Address the following questions in complete sentences with their
respective numbers present.
a. Why do you think the pigment that traveled the furthest distance on the paper actually traveled
the furthest?
b. Discuss differences & similarities between calculated data from the observations of this
experiment with the reference data.
c. Were there any procedural errors that may have impacted the results? Give an example of one
and describe how the procedure would be changed in the future to reduce or eliminate this
procedural error.
5. Discussion: Address the following questions in complete sentences
a. Defend the following statement: The sun is the primary energy source for all living things. Make
sure to include information about the electromagnetic spectrum.
b. Describe the significance of the leaf’s ability to absorb a wide spectrum of visible light via the
different pigments in your lab book.
Part III: Factors Influencing Photosynthesis
1. Purpose: create an appropriate purpose
2. Independent Variable: identify what factor being tested and what variable will be used to simulate this
factor.
3. Dependent Variable: identify what data is being measured and recorded. Make sure to indicate what
units are being used in measurements.
4. Standardized Variables: identify at least 6 components of the experiment are being held the same
between the experimental and control groups.
5. Hypothesis: write an appropriate hypothesis including what variable is being changed, what impact it
will have, and why it is thought to have that impact.
6. Discussion: address the following in complete sentences
a. Predict the impact of Light Intensity, Carbon Dioxide Availability, and Temperature on the rate
of photosynthesis by drawing one graph with three lines.
b. Discuss similarities and differences between group data and what is expected for the factor
tested in this lab. Make sure to address any errors that may have impacted data collection or
any ways to improve the experiment.