Energy and Matter Interactions: Photosynthesis-radiant energy is TRANSFORMED
into chemical energy
Unit 2 Lesson 1 Energy and Matter Interactions
Background Information
This unit bundles student expectations that address interactions between matter and energy.
Interactions between radiant (solar) energy and photosynthesis are included in Lesson 1. In order
to grasp energy flow in living systems, students need to first understand the role of plants in
converting radiant energy from the Sun into chemical energy. According to the TEKS
introductory material for Grade 7, “Matter and energy are conserved throughout living systems.
Radiant energy from the sun drives much of the flow of energy throughout living systems due to
the process of photosynthesis in organisms described as producers.” Photosynthesis is a
complicated process. For the purposes of this lesson, the process will be simplified. Dark and
light reactions are not compared. To meet the standards, students will need to know the
following:
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the general components of photosynthesis
the process is unique to plants and plant-like organisms
why the process is important to life on Earth
the relationship between matter and energy during photosynthesis
Students will need to recognize the chemical equation for photosynthesis as well. (Listed below)
6H2O + 6CO2
light (energy)
C6H12O6+ 6O2
chlorophyll
For information on the process of photosynthesis, please see the following websites:
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http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/photosyn.htm
http://photoscience.la.asu.edu/photosyn/education/learn.html
Key Understandings
Radiant energy from the Sun drives the process of photosynthesis.
— Why does photosynthesis need light energy from the Sun to complete the process?
— What happens when light (energy) from the Sun is used for the process of photosynthesis?
— Why is photosynthesis necessary to sustain life on Earth?
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Vocabulary of Instruction
photosynthesis
chlorophyll
stomata
transpiration
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chloroplast
glucose
carbon dioxide
radiant energy
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chemical
energy
light energy
oxygen
Energy and Matter Interactions: Photosynthesis-radiant energy is TRANSFORMED
into chemical energy
Classroom Labs
Before/After: What happens when light energy is blocked from the leaf?
Stomata and Elodea Lab: A look at structures and processes inside the leaf
Reading: Leaf structure and Function
Photosynthesis Equation: Lab models molecules (water and carbon dioxide) and changes
(glucose and oxygen) during photosynthesis
Performance Indicator: Making a model of the process Photosynthesis. Write paragraph
describing the diagram and explain the importance of photosynthesis to life on earth.