Science at key stage 3 (Year 9)
Unit 9C: Plants and photosynthesis
Section 2: b. How do plants grow?
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Objectives |
| Children should learn: |
- that light is needed for photosynthesis
- that the raw materials for photosynthesis are taken from the environment around the plant
- to interpret and draw conclusions from data
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Activities |
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Outcomes |
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Children: |
- Remind pupils that plants need light as well as carbon dioxide and water in order to grow well. Establish with pupils that the chlorophyll in plants enables them to absorb light, which is necessary for photosynthesis. Provide them with secondary sources showing how the carbon dioxide and/or oxygen concentration around leaves varies over a 24-hour period. Ask them to find patterns in data and to relate these to night and day. Establish that the evidence supports photosynthesis taking place in the presence of daylight.
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- identify that the carbon dioxide level is lower in daylight
- explain this,
eg the leaves are using carbon dioxide during the day
- conclude that photosynthesis takes place when there is daylight
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Points to note |
- At this stage, only a general understanding is required that more light results in more growth because there is more photosynthesis.
- Extension: pupils could be asked to suggest further investigations to test their conclusions.
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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
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