Prior Knowledge Investigation: PhotosynthesisBy Claire Guzinski

Standards

BIO.3 The student will investigate and understand the chemical and biochemical principles essential for life. Key concepts include

d) The capture, storage, transformation, and flow of energy through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

BIO.9 The student will investigate and understand dynamic equilibria within populations, communities, and ecosystems. Key concepts include

b) Nutrient cycling with energy flow through ecosystems;

Background

● Pre-AP biology class at an Urban high school in Virginia

● 9th graders● 2 females and 1 male● 1 “A” student, 1 “B”

student, one “C” student● 2 black students, 1

white student

Common Misconceptions

● Mitochondria or cytoplasm is where Photosynthesis takes place.

● Plants are green because of colored cytoplasm,● Photosynthesis requires Oxygen and releases

Carbon Dioxide.● Food is made and then released through the leaves● Photosynthesis occurs in the roots/flowers.● Plants get the “energy” that they need for

Photosynthesis by absorbing nutrients from the soil.

Lesson Plan

● Give me some observations about these plants.● So these plants are unhealthy because they aren't

getting enough of something that they need. What sorts of things do plants need to be healthy?

● Notes with elaboration, discussion and comprehension check.

● Show me what you've learned! Diagram photosynthesis.

Assignment from Lesson

● On a sheet of paper draw a picture of a leafy plant.

● Label the products and reactants of photosynthesis using both their common and chemical name. (EX: Glucose-C6H12O6)

● Label Sunlight (energy), Water (H20), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Glucose (C6H12O6) and Oxygen (O2)

● Label any autotrophs or heterotrophs in your picture.

● Draw arrows to show whether the products are going in, going out or staying inside of the plant.

● Title and color your drawing.

Examples

Example

Example

Reflection: was the lesson effective?

● Success!● Engage allowed them to see that they already knew

what plants needed.● Assignment allowed for comprehension checks.● Students often repeated, but how could you tell if

they understood?● Diagram forced them to acknowledge any gaps in

understanding. Forced them to draw photosynthesis as they understood it. No memorization.

New Beliefs

● Plants need Carbon Dioxide, not Oxygen, to carry out photosynthesis.

● Food is stored in the plant and not released.● Recognize the relationship between plants and

animals.● Photosynthesis takes place in the leaves, not the

roots.● Photosynthesis takes place in the Chloroplasts.● Plants are green because of Chlorophyll.