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Cells and Chemical Reactions: Photosynthesis
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Details

Type of Product:Science Object
Average Rating:
 based on 3 reviews
Publication Title:Cells and Chemical Reactions SciPack
Publication Date:5/2/2011
Grade Level:Elementary School, Middle School, High School


Description

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the second of four Science Objects in the Cells and Chemical Reactions SciPack. It investigates the process of photosynthesis and the chemical reactions that take place in plant cells.

Photosynthesis involves unique synthesis chemical reactions in which energy from the sun is transferred into energy in the chemical bonds that are formed when smaller molecules are combined to synthesize complex molecules. For nearly every living organism on Earth, the energy required by its cells originally comes from the sun and the only way to transfer light energy into living systems is through photosynthesis. Only those organisms with chlorophyll, such as plants, can capture energy by absorbing light and using it to form strong (covalent) chemical bonds between atoms of carbon-containing (organic) molecules through photosynthesis. Plants have chlorophyll contained in chloroplasts (the site of photosynthesis) where energy rich organic compounds are synthesized for use by the plant as a source of matter and energy necessary for life. This process of photosynthesis provides a vital connection between the sun and the energy needs of nearly all living systems, and also releases oxygen to the environment.

The simple carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis can be decomposed immediately to supply matter and energy needed for metabolic processes by plants or other photosynthesizing organisms. In addition, the energy from the decomposition can be used to build other complex carbon-based molecules that help the plant grow and function (including proteins, lipids and more complex carbohydrates).


Ideas For Use

Science Objects are two hour learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers can access any topic “on demand” from the Internet. Topics are based on the science literacy goals in the national standards (NSES, Science for All Americans, Benchmarks, and the Atlas of Scientific Literacy) and tied to state standards.

Each Science Object provides an understanding of the science content by providing a structured set of learning experiences through simulations and practice assessments. Science Objects challenge teachers to explore and explain real world phenomena and are founded on the principle that learners must be challenged with a problem, observation, data, etc., in order to develop scientific understanding. Science Objects utilize the five phases of inquiry-based learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate

Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the overall process by which chlorophyll-containing organisms utilize energy from the sun in synthesizing glucose and oxygen.
  • Trace the path of a carbon atom that is part of a carbon dioxide molecule in the air through the processes that could lead to it becoming part of a glucose molecule synthesized by a plant. Include other reactants and products that are a part of the process.
  • Trace the transformation of the energy from the sun as a living plant uses it to synthesize glucose.
  • Explain why complex carbon-based molecules (for example, glucose and lipids) have a higher-energy content than the carbon dioxide and water molecules from which they are synthesized.
  • Explain how plants or other photosynthesizing organisms use the products of photosynthesis.

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Photosynthesis
Cell
Chemical reactions
Intended User Role:Elementary-Level Educator, High-School Educator, Middle-Level Educator
Educational Issues:Inquiry learning, Professional development, Teacher content knowledge

Technical

Resource Format:application/x-shockwave-flash, audio/mp3, text/html, video/quicktime
Installation Remarks:Run the Science Objects System Check to ensure that your system is capable of viewing the simulations: http://ecommerce2.nsta.org/system_check/
Requirements:Requires Macromedia Flash Player and Apple Quicktime Player


National Standards Correlation

This resource has 11 correlations with the National Standards.  
[VIEW CORRELATIONS]

This resource has 11 correlations with the National Standards.  
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  • Physical Science
    • Structure and properties of matter
      • Carbon atoms can bond to one another in chains, rings, and branching networks to form a variety of structures, including synthetic polymers, oils, and the large molecules essential to life. (9-12)
    • Chemical Reactions
      • Light can initiate many chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and the evolution of urban smog. (9-12)
  • Life Science
    • Organisms and environments
      • All animals depend on plants. Some animals eat plants for food. Other animals eat animals that eat the plants.
    • The cell
      • The process of photosynthesis provides a vital connection between the sun and the energy needs of living systems. (9-12)
      • Plant cells contain chloroplasts, the site of photosynthesis. (9-12)
      • Plants and many microorganisms use solar energy to combine molecules of carbon dioxide and water into complex, energy rich organic compounds and release oxygen to the environment. (9-12)
    • Matter, energy, and organization in living systems
      • The energy for life primarily derives from the sun. (9-12)
      • Plants capture energy by absorbing light and using it to form strong (covalent) chemical bonds between the atoms of carbon-containing (organic) molecules. These molecules can be used to assemble larger molecules with biological activity (including proteins, DNA, sugars, and fats). (9-12)
      • Energy stored in bonds between the atoms (chemical energy) can be used as sources of energy for life processes. (9-12)
      • The chemical bonds of food molecules contain energy. (9-12)
      • Energy is released when the bonds of food molecules are broken and new compounds with lower energy bonds are formed. (9-12)


Customer Reviews
Review on Cell and Chemical Reactions: Photo..
  Reviewed by: Ronaldo Relador (Bowie, MD) on February 29, 2012
  Learning about photosynthesis has never been this interesting.

Photosynthesis...Essential for Life
  Reviewed by: Lorrie Armfield (Laurel, MD) on December 17, 2011
  This is an excellent, interactive resource that enables the learner to internalize the steps involved with Photosynthesis. From clearly detailing how light energy is converted to chemical energy, and the storage of energy in the bonds of sugar, it presents information in multiple ways to actively engage individuals of various learning styles. The immediate feedback quizzes are helpful, and the visuals work synergistically with the text to help individuals develop and enduring understanding of this essential process. I am looking forward to sharing this resource with my scholars.

Light for All
  Reviewed by: Duane Little (Washington, DC) on October 30, 2011
  This Science Object gives a detailed explanation of how light energy is transformed by photosynthetic organisms into chemical energy and matter. Another great example of how the PD resources that NSTA has made available to teachers are concise yet comprehensive. The information is available whenever we need it to refresh our memories and spark ideas on how to pass the information on to our students!

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