Photosynthesis Interactive Simulation | Life Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Life Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Photosynthesis.

Driving question: "How does light intensity (measured by distance from a light source) affect the rate of photosynthesis and oxygen gas production in an aquatic plant?" Objective: Students will model and measure how changing the distance between a light source and an aquatic plant (Elodea) alters the rate of photosynthetic oxygen bubble production.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (Fresh sprig of Elodea (or Cabomba)…; Clear glass beaker or large test tube…; Desk lamp with a cool-running LED bulb…; Metric ruler or meterstick (0 cm to 100…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 730 words (~5 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Life Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.