Photosynthesis Lab

The Photosynthesis in Action Lab invites students to observe and analyze the effects of light and carbon dioxide on living organisms in a hands-on, inquiry-based investigation. Using aquatic plants like Elodea or Cabomba, students collect real-time evidence of photosynthesis by measuring oxygen production through visible bubble formation.

Through guided experimentation, sketching, data collection, and analysis, students explore how light energy drives the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Why Teachers Love This Activity:

• Real Science, Real Data – Students collect live data on photosynthesis, reinforcing key concepts through direct observation.
• A Natural Fit for Biology or Life Science – Complements units on photosynthesis, energy flow, plant biology, and ecosystems.
• Boosts Critical Thinking – Students make predictions, record quantitative data and evaluate experimental variables.
• Supports All Learners – Visual data, hands-on investigation, and scaffolded questions ensure accessibility for diverse learners.
• Encourages Scientific Inquiry – Includes opportunities for students to ask questions, tweak variables, and draw conclusions from their own experiments.

How It Works:

• Set Up the Experiment – Students place an aquatic plant in a test tube or beaker filled with water and a pinch of baking soda (to supply carbon dioxide).
• Observe Photosynthesis in Action – When placed near a light source, students count the oxygen bubbles produced over time, recording how light intensity or carbon availability affects the rate.
• Record Data – Students note bubble production and temperatures at regular intervals.
• Analyze Results – Guided questions help students interpret their data and understand the light-dependent nature of photosynthesis.
• Extend Learning – Students reflect on real-world applications and consider how environmental changes impact plant energy production.

What’s Included:

• Student Lab Packet with built-in analysis questions
• Answer Key with suggested responses
• Teacher Tips for setup, safety, and differentiation
• Materials List & Troubleshooting Guidelines

Why Students Will Love It:

• Hands-On with Living Plants – Watching bubbles rise in real time makes the invisible process of photosynthesis visible and exciting.
• Be a Scientist – Students conduct real experiments and manipulate variables.
• Empowering Inquiry – Students feel ownership over their learning as they experiment and discover how life on Earth depends on photosynthesis.

Materials (per group):

• 1 sprig of Elodea (or similar aquatic plant)
• 1 250 mL beaker
• 200 mL of tap water (preferably dechlorinated)
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda (NaHCO₃)
• Lamp with a 100-watt bulb or strong LED light
• Ruler or meter stick
• Stopwatch or timer
• Thermometer
• Paperclip or small rock to anchor Elodea
• Funnel and test tube (optional for gas collection)

Pro Tip: Kick off the lab with a quick class demo showing a plant bubbling in water under a lamp. Ask students to brainstorm: Where are the bubbles coming from? This sets the stage for a high-engagement inquiry into the most essential chemical process on Earth—photosynthesis!

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks for visiting!
Jessica