CLIMATE CHANGE
ACTIVITY SHEET
Campaigning for the future of our planet
Photosynthesis
For photosynthesis to occur, plants need light energy (from the sun) and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll found in
green plants absorbs the light, making photosynthesis possible. During the process of photosynthesis, the
water and carbon dioxide absorbed by plants is converted into glucose. Glucose is used by the plant for its
immediate energy needs and the excess glucose is turned into starch, which is either stored in the roots,
leaves or fruits. Absorbed oxygen molecules are used to break down the carbohydrates and the remainder
is released into the atmosphere. Plants not only produce food to sustain their existence, but also to nourish
animal and human life.
To sustain life on Earth, both carbon dioxide and oxygen are equally important. However, the amount of
carbon dioxide presently produced by human activities is greater than what all the Earth’s plants are able
to absorb. The burning of fossil fuels is one of the major causes of the disproportionate amounts of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere and this imbalance is affecting all life on Earth. We have the ability to use our
natural resources more wisely and sustainably, thus reducing carbon emissions.
Three simple photosynthesis activities:
Sunlight Experiment
• Take two quick growing potted plants
• Place one plant in a dark room and the other in the sunlight on a windowsill
• Water both plants throughout the week
• After a week, bring the plants together
• What do you notice about the plant that was placed in a dark room?
Chlorophyll Experiment
• Choose a healthy, leafy plant
• Cut a few pieces of black paper to cover several leaves. Tape the paper onto the leaves
• After several days, remove the paper from the leaves
• What do you notice about the colour of the leaves that were covered?
How can you get involved?
23 March
World Meteorological Day
22 April Earth Day
22 May International Day for Biological Diversity
5-10 June World Environment Day and Week
3 October World Habitat Day
Each plant can only absorb
so much CO2, & right now
we are producing more
C02 than all the earth’s
plants can absorb! We
can help by decreasing
our carbon emissions and
planting more trees!
Campaigning for the future of our planet.
For more information go to: www.cap.org.za • Visit Ug at: www.wildlands.co.za
13953 Firetree e&oe (UG AS 9624)
Photosynthesis Chemical Experiment
• Purchase some small aquatic plants
• Place them in test tubes filled with water
• Plug the opening of the test tubes with a cork
• After a while, bubbles will appear on the sides of the test tubes. This is a photosynthetic chemical
response that shows plants changing carbon dioxide and water into food.