• This video describes the process photosynthesis, looks at the process within the leaves of plants, connects it to the carbon cycle, and demonstrates a simple experiment.
• Students will see graphs of data showing the amount of carbon dioxide pulled out of the air during photosynthesis and fluctuations in concentrations over time.

Positives

• The experiment is simple to follow and easily replicable, with the proper probe.
• Students will learn about the impact of a nature-based solutions to the problem of excessive greenhouse emissions.

Additional Prerequisites

• The experiment uses the flux chamber which requires materials and assembly explained in this video.

Differentiation

• For a more simple experiment, students can design and conduct the experiment mentioned in the video about observing oxygen bubbles released from underwater plants.
• The teacher can pause the video at 4 minutes, 3 seconds for students to make predictions about carbon dioxide levels.
• Students can write an analysis on why they think the rate of carbon dioxide absorption slows down after the first few minutes and relate it to lessons about chemical reactions.
• Another similar resource is this experiment from the Paleontological Research Institution about respiration.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.