Photosynthesis: Epic 7th/8th Grade Classroom Mission

Storyline

Using their knowledge of photosynthesis, students investigate why plants on Tellenor are dying to restore balance to the planet before it's too late.

Moodoo, the four-inch tall leader of the Fofa Alliance, is determined to wreak havoc on the planet of Tellenor. He is doing multiple chaotic and distruptive things at once. Plants are dying, but we don't exactly know why. The crew will need to investigate and analyze data to determine which of Moodoo's plans of chaos are causing the plants to die. They must get to the bottom of how Moodoo is meddling with photosynthesis. Once they do that, they'll take care of the threat to restore balance to the planet.

Est. time: 31 min.

Targeted Standards

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Plants use chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Students use various computer models and other graphical displays of information to conceptualize the process of photosynthesis and determine which of Moodoo's plans is disrupting photosynthesis.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

The crew must analyze and interpret various forms of data (including maps, graphs, computer simulations, etc.) to determine which of Moodoo's actions is the most pressing issue.

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Students obtain and evaluate information and scientific evidence in various forms to work together to determine what's leading to plant deaths on Tellenor.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

The crew will recognize there is a pattern in the data showing that where the glittery fertilizer is, there is increased plant decay. They'll also determine the connection between the fertilizer and increased CO2/decreased O2 in the air.

Cause and Effect

The crew must identify the cause of the problem in order to address it. In addition, students will investigate the cause and effect relationship between the various parts of the process of photosynthesis (i.e. if a plant isn't able to absorb CO2, it won't output O2)

Energy and Matter

Students recognize the cycling of matter and flow of energy through plants on Tellenor and will observe how the process of photosynthesis allows this to happen. Students will recognize that if this process is disrupted, matter stops cycling and energy stops flowing, leading plants to die.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

Plants, algae (including phytoplankton), and many microorganisms use the energy from light to make sugars (food) from carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water through the process of photosynthesis, which also releases oxygen. These sugars can be used immediately or stored for growth or later use.

PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life

The chemical reaction by which plants produce complex food molecules (sugars) requires an energy input (i.e., from sunlight) to occur. In this reaction, carbon dioxide and water combine to form carbon-based organic molecules and release oxygen. (secondary)

Chloroplast Chaos