Science 4 Inquiry
The Yin and Yang of Photosynthesis: Day vs. Night
Floating fragments of elodea can grow even without roots. Young scientists use eldoea plants to observe the oxygen production from photosynthesis. They study the difference between having access to high amounts of light and low amounts...
Curated OER
Rate of Photosynthesis
Young scholars investigate the rate of photosynthesis using elodea leaves. In this photosynthesis lesson plan, students place elodea in a test tube filled with water. They include baking soda and place the test tube under a lamp. Young...
Curated OER
Terrestrial Sequestration- Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Students examine the differences between cellular respiration and photosynthesis. In this cellular processes lesson students complete a group lab activity to see how climate change affects their lives.
Curated OER
Elodea Lab
Young scholars observe the changes between elodea leaves placed in darkness and light. For this life science lesson, students experiment to find evidence of photosynthesis in elodea leaves. Young scholars use indicators to detect the...
Curated OER
Terrestrial Sequestration - Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Students investigate how plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. In this biology lesson, students differentiate photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They discuss the important role of plants in the environment.
Curated OER
Mussel Your Way Through Photosynthesis
Students, using zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), elodea and an indicator dye, observe and record the role of light in photosynthesis. They consider plant production of carbon dioxide and the use of live materials in biological...
Curated OER
Carbon Dioxide - Sources and Sinks
Where does all of the carbon dioxide come from that is supposedly leading to climate change? Earth science pupils test animal, plant, and fossil fuels as sources in this investigation. Using an indicator, BTB, they are able to detect the...
Curated OER
Oxygen Factory
Fourth graders examine the interdependence of the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle in an ecosystem through a laboratory investigation. After a lecture/demo, 4th graders complete the lab in groups.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Discovering What Plants Need for Photosynthesis
This activity will be used prior to any direct instruction for photosynthesis. In this inquiry lab, students design and conduct simple experiments using elodea and Bromthymol blue to determine whether plants consume or release carbon...