Photosynthesis in Plant Cells
Photosynthesis is the basis for nearly all the life on Earth. The process of chemically converting carbon dioxide gas into energy-rich glucose is a standard topic of nearly every biology course, yet remains a fundamentally misunderstood reaction to most people. This unit will examine the specific energy frequencies that plants are able to absorb, and the chemical processes in which this solar energy is converted into storable chemical energy in the form of ATP, NADH, and eventually, glucose.
Photosynthesis in Plant Cells Lecture Powerpoint
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Purpose: This Powerpoint begins with a series of experiments that were conducted to determine the basic chemical changes occuring in photosynthesis in plants. This section helps to understore the fundamentals of photosynthesis, that carbon dioxide is converted into glucose (the building block of cellulose, lignin, and so on). Students will learn about the different wavelengths of visible light, which can be absorbed by chlorophyll, and how the light reactions and Calvin cycle with chloroplasts convert this energy into a chemical form.
Essential Concepts: Photosynthesis, autotrophs, heterotrophs, visible light, electromagnetic spectrum, wavelengths of light, pigments, chlorophyll, chloroplasts, thylakoids, granum, stomata, light reactions, calvin cycle, ATP, NADPH, photosystems, photorespiration, CAM plants, C4 plants, rubisco.
Photosynthesis in Plant Cells Lecture Notes Outline
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Purpose: Taking efficient notes can be a big challenge for many students, especially when working from a Powerpoint lecture. This outline gives students a means to take notes that guides them toward important concepts and avoids the pitfalls of writing word-for-word or simply not taking notes at all. The outline is written as a series of questions, fill-in-the-blanks, or diagrams.
Essential Concepts: Photosynthesis, autotrophs, heterotrophs, visible light, electromagnetic spectrum, wavelengths of light, pigments, chlorophyll, chloroplasts, thylakoids, granum, stomata, light reactions, calvin cycle, ATP, NADPH, photosystems, photorespiration, CAM plants, C4 plants, rubisco.
BBC Documentary - How to Grow a Planet: Life From Light
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Purpose: This is a documentary that discusses many aspects of photosynthesis, from its evolution to ihow it works, including its importance to animals. Personally, this is the best photosynthesis movie that I've ever found for students to watch, because it covers a lot of different angles while using experiments and examples to keep student interest. One highlight: an experiment where a scientist is left in a large, sealed room filled with plants to see if they release enough oxygen for him to survive on. Unfortunately, there is no DVD for sale, but you may be able to find it on Youtube, and a higher quality version is available on Hulu Plus.
Essential Concepts: Photosynthesis, autotrophs, heterotrophs, visible light, electromagnetic spectrum, wavelengths of light, pigments, chlorophyll, chloroplasts.
Photosynthesis Study Guide
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Purpose: This worksheet is a set of vocabulary words and practice questions meant to encourage students to condense their notes into a more manageable form to study from. The questions and vocabulary are taken directly from the lecture Powerpoint for this unit.
Essential Concepts: Photosynthesis, autotrophs, heterotrophs, visible light, electromagnetic spectrum, wavelengths of light, pigments, chlorophyll, chloroplasts, thylakoids, granum, stomata, light reactions, calvin cycle, ATP, NADPH, photosystems, photorespiration, CAM plants, C4 plants, rubisco.
