NGSS MS-LS1-6.
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of
photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of
organisms.
Utah SEEd
8.3.1
Plan and conduct an investigation and use the evidence to construct an explanation of how photosynthetic organisms use energy to transform matter. Emphasize molecular and energy transformations during photosynthesis.
Plan and conduct an investigation and use the evidence to construct an explanation of how photosynthetic organisms use energy to transform matter. Emphasize molecular and energy transformations during photosynthesis.
8.3.3
Ask questions to obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how changes to an ecosystem affect the stability of cycling matter and the flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. Emphasize describing the cycling of matter and flow of energy through the carbon cycle.
Ask questions to obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how changes to an ecosystem affect the stability of cycling matter and the flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. Emphasize describing the cycling of matter and flow of energy through the carbon cycle.
Students in middle school should understand that:
- photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts in the leaf
- Absorbed light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide (from the air) and water (from the soil) into a sugar called glucose
- Oxygen is released as a by-product
- Photosynthesis is the single most important chemical process on the earth.
- Almost all plants needs the sun in order to survive.
- Plants produce oxygen during this process and utilize carbon dioxide.
- All people and animals need oxygen to survive.
- photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts in the leaf
I think this is a great opportunity for students to practice some science skills:
- Setting up fair tests
- arguing from evidence
- supporting claims with evidence
- critical thinking
- making a model to explain thinking
Once students understand the basics, the emphasis should be on how energy moves through the food chain starting with the sun and moving into plants and then up the food chain as it is consumed.
