2. The first biochemical
process we examine is
photosynthesis
Our unit is on Dynamic
Equilibrium and
Homeostasis
ALIEN EXPLORERS
Our unit goal : to investigate how living organisms on Earth maintain a
dynamic equilibrium that sustains life
3. PHOTOSYNTHESIS – THE ENERGY OF THE SUN
TRANSFERRED TO EARTH BIOLOGY
OUR LAB GOAL: UNDERSTANDING PHOTOSYNTHESIS
the most significant biochemical process carried on by living things
4. THE ENERGY FOR LIFE COMES FROM THE SUN
WHAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAN WE LEARN FROM THE TERM?
PHOTO SYNTHESIS
sunlight build from smaller parts
Students begin to understand that light is an essential
element of the process of photosynthesis
5. WHAT ABOUT ON OUR ALIEN HOME PLANET?
www.himho.com
Our world has two suns – how do you think that will
affect the process and rate of photosynthesis?
6. EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LIGHT SOURCES ON
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
FLUORESCENT
INCANDESCENT LONG-WAVE UV
www.opfinitytech.com
SUNLIGHT
commons.wikimedia.org www.phys.vt.edu
bayhealing.com
7. Will different light Student teams will observe the
growth of bean plants under
sources affect the rate different light sources, and no
of photosynthesis? light, and compare them to a
control plant grown in
sunlight. Each plant will be
placed in a box to ensure each
is exposed to its particular
light source, and no other, for
the school day. Plants in
sunlight will be placed into
boxes after the school day.
The rate of photosynthesis
will be determined by the
growth of the bean plant.
http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/rates-of-photosynthesis/
8. Students decide that
noting the weather
is important for
plants in sunlight
Data to be
recorded daily!!
COLLECTION OF DATA
Each team will measure the growth of their two bean plants, one grown under their particular light
source, or no light, and their control plant grown in sunlight, on a daily basis. The HYDRATOR
member must be sure to water their plants daily (VERY IMPORTANT!!)
9. ALIEN TEAM MEMBER ROLES
PREDICTOR – predict what will happen COLLECTOR – measure plants and record
HYDRATOR - waterer
RESEARCHER – support SKEPTIC – looks for other
or disprove conclusions explanations to explain findings
10. CONCLUSIONS OF OUR BEAN PLANT LAB
Bean plants grew the most in sunlight, which contains a
balance of the wavelengths of light that promotes
photosynthesis.
Fluorescent light provided the blue wavelengths, important for
leaf growth.
Incandescent light was next. It doesn’t provide as much of the
blue wavelengths.
Long-wave UV didn’t promote good plant growth.
Plants grown without light died. Light is essential
for photosynthesis.
www.botanicalspirit.com
11. OBJECTIVES FOR THIS LAB ACTIVITY
(2 week duration)
Students should understand that photosynthesis, a
basic biochemical process, is important to sustain
life.
The importance of light energy to photosynthesis.
Energy for life comes from the sun and
photosynthesis traps this energy and converts it into
the chemical bond energy of organic compounds.
These compounds are used by organisms as a source
of food and cellular energy.
www.paksc.org
12. OUR WORK ON EARTH IS NOT COMPLETE
Alien Commander, Admiral Ackbar, tells his interplanetary explorers
that there are other biochemical processes and substances that are
common in living organisms on Earth and promote life. These
include:
Cellular Respiration
Enzymes – which control biochemical processes
Much work needs to be done before we can leave Earth and search
for life on other planets!
