Photosynthesis Real-World Case Study | Life Science | Grades 6–8

This Real-World Case Study asks grades 6–8 Middle School Life Science students to weigh a real decision about Photosynthesis and defend a solution with evidence.

Scenario: The fast-growing city of Oakridge faces a critical land-use decision over the 400-hectare Greenbelt Woods on the edge of town. A solar energy developer has proposed clearing 250 hectares of this mature oak and maple forest to install a utility-scale photovoltaic solar farm capable of powering 18,000 homes with clean… Key question: "If you were voting on the Oakridge City Council, would you approve clearing the forest for the solar farm or require the higher-cost rooftop and parking-lot alternative?"

What's inside: the scenario, 5 questions to consider, an answer key, arguments for and against for the teacher, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Case Study (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word handout with approximately 890 words (~6 pages).

Classroom use: independent response, small-group comparison, and a whole-class debate 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.