Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Identify the reactants and products of photosynthesis and write its balanced equation.
• Explain how the light reactions use light energy to split water, release oxygen, and make ATP and NADPH.
• Explain how the Calvin cycle uses ATP and NADPH to build CO₂ into glucose.
• Plan fair tests of light, light color, CO₂, and temperature, interpret the data, and identify limiting factors.
• Compare photosynthesis with cellular respiration and explain how they cycle matter and energy.

Standards alignment

• HS-LS1-5 NGSS: Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
• HS-LS2-5 NGSS: Develop a model of the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon.
• MS-LS1-6 NGSS (supports): Construct an explanation for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy.
• SEP 3, 4 NGSS Science and Engineering Practices: plan and carry out investigations; analyze and interpret data.

Includes

Five stages: the leaf, the light reactions, the Calvin cycle (with an optional Honors mode), a virtual elodea bubble experiment with four investigations, live data table, and graph, and a photosynthesis-vs-respiration sort; and a printable lab worksheet. A teacher answer key is available from Logical Home Schooling.

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