- Show pupils a range of photographs or video clips, including, if possible, time-lapse sequences, illustrating that new biomass is formed as plants grow and that they can grow to an enormous size. Ask pupils about the conditions needed for healthy plant growth and the role of the root and leaf in this. Ask them to suggest where the new material in plants comes from. Challenge ideas about the material coming from the soil,
eg show photographs or specimens of plants growing without soil;
ask why the soil doesn't disappear from pots in which plants are growing;
look at large fruits and vegetables such as marrow, pumpkin, cucumber.
- Establish that plants use carbon dioxide from the air and water taken in through the roots to make glucose, which is usually converted to starch for storage. Remind pupils of the formulae for carbon dioxide and water and show them how the equation for photosynthesis builds up. Introduce and explain the terms 'biomass' and 'photosynthesis'.
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- identify the sources of raw materials in photosynthesis
- explain the terms 'photosynthesis' and 'biomass'
- provide some evidence that plants do not obtain biomass from the soil
- construct the word equation for photosynthesis
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