Total Duration: |
Greater than 120 Minutes |
Materials and Resources: |
“A Tree is Like a Hungry Kid” quick read and quiz from Super Teacher Worksheets: https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading-comp/4th-photosynthesis_WMTFZ.pdf?up=1466611200 (copied for half the class) “A Plant Puzzle” passage from ReadWorks.org” http://www.readworks.org/passages/plant-puzzle (copied for half the class). Teachers need to create a free ReadWorks account to access the materials on the site. Picture cards (included in attachments section) printed for each group of 4 students Chart paper Markers Student notebooks or journals For Wonderville experiment (one set for whole-class demonstration):
For Tomatosphere experiment (one set for each small group):
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Technology Resources Needed: |
Computer with Internet access and projector for showing videos Printer Websites:
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Background/Preparation: |
Green plants create their own food through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use energy from the sun to change carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen. Sugars and starches are all forms of carbohydrates. Some of these carbohydrates are stored in the plant, and some are used by the plant to grow and survive. More information on photosynthesis can be found at https://www.syntheticgrasswarehouse.com/flowers-and-grass-kids-guide-to-photosynthesis/. |
Engage: Have students create a word web about plants in their science notebooks. Encourage students to categorize information as they create the webs. A sample web is included in the attachments section. This web can be used as a pre-assessment of student knowledge about plants and photosynthesis, and students can add to the web as their understanding increases throughout the lesson. Watch Mr. C’s Photosynthesis song. Have students add to their word webs following the video. Explore: Conduct two experiments to show the process of photosynthesis:
In between observations, use this NOVA interactive website to explain what happens during photosynthesis. You may choose to project the interactive for whole-class discussion, or students may access it individually on computers during learning centers. Explain: Discuss results of experiments and watch photosynthesis videos:
Ask probing questions and have students add to the word webs in their notebooks.
Divide class into groups of four. Have two students in each group read “A Tree is Like a Hungry Kid” passage while the other two students read “A Plant Puzzle.” Instruct students to highlight or underline answers to questions as they find them in the passages. Following the reading, the group of four will share their findings. Each set of partners will summarize their passage for the partners who read a different passage. Compare differences in terminology. One passage says sugar is produced during photosynthesis, while the other says glucose is produced. Explain to the students that glucose, sugar, and starch are forms of carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis. Watch Mr. C’s Photosynthesis song again. Pause the video when the chemical equation is displayed. Explain that carbohydrates are molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but they can vary slightly and have different names depending on the arrangement of the molecules. Students do not need to memorize the chemical equation, but they should understand that photosynthesis is a change where the inputs (water and carbon dioxide) are rearranged into different molecules (carbohydrates and oxygen) using energy from the sun. Elaborate: Give each group of four students a set of picture cards (included in Attachments section), a piece of chart paper, and markers. Have students arrange the picture and word cards on chart paper to show what happens during photosynthesis. Have students draw arrows and write explanations to explain the process. A sample card sort is included in the Attachments section. |
Assessment Strategies |
Have each student construct an illustration to explain how plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into a storable fuel, carbohydrates, and a waste product, oxygen, during the process of photosynthesis. Evaluate students’ illustrations using this rubric. Students' word webs can also be used to assess an increase in knowledge about plants. |
Acceleration: |
Acceleration: Have students read the advanced article, “Why Humans Can’t Live Off Sunlight” from ReadWorks.org and explain it to the class. Students can explain the structures humans lack for photosynthesis in a digital presentation using PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, or Canva. |
Intervention: |
Assign students strategically in groups, pairing students who need assistance with peer tutors. During the reading portion of the lesson, have partners read aloud or in small groups with the teacher to ensure comprehension. Project and discuss the NOVA interactive rather than having students use the website independently. Provide models of photosynthesis illustrations: |
View the Special Education resources for
instructional guidance in providing modifications and adaptations
for students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the Alabama Alternate Assessment.
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