PowerUp! Instructional Unit
Unit Plan Title: Photosynthesis
Developed By: Cheryl Huddleston
Academic Vocabulary: light-dependent reactions, lightindependent reactions, electron transport chain,
NADP+, photolysis, Calvin cycle, ADP/ATP, chloroplasts,
stroma, thylakoid, chlorophyll
Grade Level:
10
Length of Unit:
2 weeks
Science/Math Standard(s): What standards will provide the focus for this unit?
L 1.1 – Relate cellular functions and processes to specialized structures within cells
L 1.1A – Explain chemical and physical processes of photosynthesis and respiration
Essential Questions: What essential questions will focus this unit?
How is energy stored and released as it travels through plants and animals?
How do cells obtain energy from their environment?
Content: What topics do students need to know?
Skills: What should students be able to do?
Energy storage in ATP
Plant structures
Photosynthesis
Light-dependent & light independent reactions
Electron transport chain
Describe 3 stages of photosynthesis
Write and describe photosynthesis equation
Explain light dependent and light independent
reactions
Understand the function of the electron transport
chain
Trace the energy movement through the stages
photosynthesis
Assessment(s): What evidence will show that students understand?
Performance Tasks, Projects: section assessments, worksheets, lab write-up, Students will complete a lab write-up on the
water weed simulation and the photosynthesis lab
Quizzes, Tests, Academic Prompts: pre and post test Achievement series- vocab quiz, photosynthesis quiz
Informal observations/discussions/interviews: discussion pre-post lab activities
Student Self-Assessment: on-line review/self-assessment,
Planning the Learning Experiences: What teaching and learning experiences will equip students to demonstrate the
targeted standards? The web sites listed below are used as part of lecture or for students to use as review. Two labs are included
in this unit. One lab is a classroom lab using the water plant Elodea and some baking soda under direct light. The second is a web
simulation that allows the students to manipulate several variables to determine the effects on the rate of photosynthesis. There is
also a webquest/intro activity at the pbs web site.
Technology Integration: How is technology used to add value to the learning process?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/methuselah/photosynthesis.html
http://www.johnkyrk.com/photosynthesis.html
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072437316/student_view0/chapter10/animations.html#
http://www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/forestbiology/photosynthesis.swf
Materials:
Elodea plants, light source with 100 watt bulbs, beakers, baking soda, computers
Modifications: as indicated on IEP
Far Below Standard
Modify as indicated on IEP
Approaching Standard
Modify as indicated on IEP
Meeting Standard
Exceeding Standard